Factbox-Food industry in some parts of Europe under pressure as CO2 runs short

Reuters

Published Aug 26, 2022 04:38AM ET

(Reuters) - A shortage of the gas carbon dioxide (CO2) is putting pressure on food sectors in some European countries, after major producers cut output in response to rising energy costs.

Chemical makers produce CO2 as a byproduct used in parts of the food industry, ranging from putting the fizz into drinks and cooling products during transport to stunning poultry and pigs before slaughter.

Here are some countries that flagged shortages, after major producers cut output:

BRITAIN

Britain's food and drinks industry https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-urges-businesses-meet-demand-co2-after-cf-fertilisers-halts-production-2022-08-25/ urged the government to prepare contingency plans to ensure supplies of carbon dioxide after the main domestic supplier, CF Fertilisers UK, decided to temporarily halt ammonia production at its Billingham plant in northeast England.

ITALY

In July, Italian drinks companies https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/italian-fizzy-drinks-risk-falling-flat-c02-runs-short-2022-07-27/ flagged production cuts due to trouble with sourcing carbon dioxide, as chemical companies slashed output, blaming soaring gas prices and suppliers struggled to secure necessary volumes.

POLAND