They played it close, but a flour shortage has been averted – at least for the time being. An ADM Belize Mills representative confirmed that 7 trucks filled with grain arrived from Guatemala today. They were expected on Wednesday, but did not make it until today because of border delays.
As we’ve reported, the trucks and their cargo have become important because ADM mills are just about out of wheat – and their next shipment isn’t scheduled until around Christmas.
The shortage has been created because flour sales are way up. And it’s not because Belizeans are eating more bread or black cake, it’s because the controlled price of flour in Belize is far less than the market price in Mexico and Guatemala – and Belize’s flour is being “contrabanded” to those neighboring countries.
And while the good news is that the grain trucks are here, the not so good news is that the supply they bring will only last about three and a half days. A follow-up convoy of trucks is expected next week.
And so, for the time being, flour sales from ADM are still being rationed to all bulk purchasers, except for bakers.
