Local Bakeries Hope Flour Shortage Ends Soon  

It’s been a tough week for bakers across the country, as they grapple with a flour shortage. In the past few days, several businesses have had to reduce production because they were not able to purchase enough flour to meet their demand. According to the Minister of Agriculture, Jose Abelardo Mai, the shortage was due to issues at the mill, which he says were resolved last week. While the millers work towards producing the next supply of flour, bakers are eagerly awaiting a return to normalcy. We spoke with the Manager of Sunny Side Bakery in Belize City to hear how business has been fairing amidst the shortage. Here’s more on that.

 

Britney Gordon

“There’s been a flour shortage over the past couple days now. It’s been affecting a few businesses across Belize. How has your company been impacted by this shortage?”

 

Elony Pitterson, Manager, Sunny Side Bakery

“Currently we can’t supply to most of our customers. Right now it’s a little problem. But we are trying the best we can with what we have. The government told us that we could use substitute flour, so that’s what we are using.”

 

 

Britney Gordon

“So you said that you have limited supply would you say that you’ve just been making less items or have you had to stop making non-priority items like not your best sellers. What has that decision been?”

 

Elony Pitterson

“For sure our main priority is making the buns. But still we are cutting down on bread because our Belizean people prefer the bun over the bread So that is what we are trying.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So did you guys try that different brand of flour in the meantime, or did you decide to just continue the way how you always knew it with a limited supply?”

 

Elony Pitterson

“Yes, we tried the flour actually today. Some of the pastries, the powder bun the cinnamon rolls, and even the bread, we tried it and it’s okay. It’s okay so far.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Yesterday they said that we can, around today is when we can expect production to really pick up back for the flour. Are you guys able to get flour today or is there still a bit of a wait period?”

 

Elony Pitterson

“Yes, we are trying to get flour. No, we haven’t been getting flour, but it’s the substitute flour. But the government had told us that Monday we should be getting back our usual flour and hopefully we do get it.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And what’s the reaction been from customers that you guys sell out so fast or they haven’t been able to get their favorite items during this time?”

 

Elony Pitterson

“Mostly it’s our wholesalers. They are a bit angry. And because we are short on flour we have to close early, and our customers are upset that they can’t get their buns and stuff like that.”

 

Britney Gordon

“But you’re confident that by Monday, things should be back to normal?”

 

Elony Pitterson

“Yes, hopefully. Hopefully, we are relying on the government. Hopefully, yes.”