The Flour Crisis

I've known it's coming for a long time, but I was still sticker shocked during my last trip to Costco where I buy 25 lb. bags of King Arthur flour. 

You've seen it in the TV news - the price of flour has risen...a lot.  My cost has doubled. 

Why the rise?  The growing worldwide demand for wheat, especially in developing countries, is making supply tight.  Also the value the American dollar is weakening and the supply is tight because we send much of our wheat supply overseas.  Lastly, the growth in ethanol production is pushing up the prices of commodities.

We are all going to see a rise in wheat-based flour products.  We are going to be limited to the number of bags we can buy at the grocery store (this is already happening - I've been trying to stockpile flour since I learned of the inevitable).  Bottom line?  I'm going to have to raise my prices soon.  I'm not sure how much yet, but somewhere in the neighborhood of a 10-15% hike will keep Vermont Shortbread Company profitable.  I'll let you know when I understand the situation better.  I know this seems a bit hefty, but I have not raised my prices in more than 5 years and in that time, the cost of butter has also risen substantially.   

In the meantime, BUY YOUR SHORTBREAD WHILE IT'S STILL AT THE OLD PRICES because they won't last much longer!  Shortbread freezes well for up to 6 months, so you can buy now for upcoming events.  Lock in the low prices now, buy placing a BULK order.  Buy 10 now and send them out at your convenience.   

Want to know more?  Want to place a bulk order?  Then visit our Vermont Shortbread Company web site  now, or call me at 802-264-4835.

In the meantime, be prepared to pay a lot more for your pizza, bread, and other baked goods at the grocery store.  Maybe we can all save some money this summer by growing big vegetable gardens and and preserving our harvest.  It won't help the flour situation, but it will save food costs elsewhere...and it tastes good. 

Your friend, the shortbread chick and eternal optimist   

Comments

[Dina at Wordfeeder.com]

I find this depressing.

You know, when things like this happen, it's time to create a new product. Remember those Cereal Commas we were talking about a year ago? I don't know if you could go so far as to make oaties in the shape of commas (which would be the whole point).

But you could definitely shift to an oat-based product or something - like granola which you've mentioned before.

Oooh. I have to say. I'm totally mesmerized by that quotation machine you've rigged up at the bottom of your blog.

Took my mind off the scary flour shortage for a second there.

[Michael at Eddiesenergy.com]

I think Dina might be on to something, although, experimenting with different flours has usually been a disaster for us.

We're feeling the pinch on a couple of ingredients as well, sadly....