Farmer protests enter second day, much to Aldi's 'frustration'
PROTEST Farmers seek increase in price increase from retailers
The climate worsened in terms of weather and relations between Aldi and farmers with the IFA protest now in its second day.
Farmers are seeking an increase in price for their eggs to cover the hike in costs of inputs, primarily electricity, and have maintained a highly visible presence outside both the Lidl and Aldi stores in Cavan Town.
Chicken and pig farmers too are seeking an increase from the retailers to try to meet costs.
IFA members parked tractors and trailers on the loading bays in a bid to prevent supplies coming into the stores, which their spokesman, Brendan Soden IFA deputy poultry chairman, claims is impacting stock levels on shelves.
Egg farmers sell their produce to packing companies, and it is the packers who enter into contracts with the retailers.
Responding to the protest, an ALDI spokesperson issued a statement saying it is “extremely disappointed" the IFA protest at its Cavan store and claimed it's undermining ongoing negotiations with suppliers. They further outlined that they had increased price to packers in June.
Brendan Soden, IFA deputy poultry chairman, described the tone of the Aldi statement as scolding.
"They said they are very disappointed with egg producers, it's like something a parent would say to a child. Don't they realise that we're running businesses. We don't want to be here in Cavan on a wet day, having to look for money when we should be at home working."
Aldi statement further noted that they had paid more in June to the packers, which the IFA acknowledge. The IFA told the Celt say Aldi increased the price by 24c on a dozen eggs.
"That was what we were looking for at the time, and that was to cover the rise in feed costs up to April," says the Lavey farmer. He adds that since April there has been two further feed increases, on top of the spike in energy costs.
The protest also continues for a second day at Lidl.
The Celt asked why they are outside the discount retailers when it is the packing companies with whom they deal.
Brendan Soden claimed there are three suppliers - packing companies - selling into Aldi. He said they are reluctant "to look for more money because they are "afraid of losing market shares - that some of your lines may be dropped if you push too much".
Meanwhile the protest looks set to continue as farmers have drawn up a rota to have members maintain a 24 hour presence at both Aldi and Lidl.
“We are hugely frustrated at these developments as they undermine the current ongoing discussions with our suppliers. As always, Aldi Ireland is committed to working with and supporting all of our Irish suppliers," said the spokesperson.
“We paid higher prices to egg suppliers in June of this year, which represented the largest increases we have ever agreed while we are fully engaged in the most recent round of discussions.
“We are disappointed that egg producers have taken this approach at a time when we are actively in discussions with our egg suppliers. We understand egg producer frustrations and are happy to reassert again, our commitment to engagement with suppliers with whom we purchase our eggs from.
“We look to support all our suppliers, while continuing to shield our customers from price increases as much as possible during this current inflationary period.”