Food prices could surge by 10% this year, even if the Middle East conflict is resolved soon, industry chiefs have warned. Trade body the Food and Drink Federation has hiked its forecast for how much it thinks food and drink prices will rise this year from 3.2% to between 9% and 10%. That is based on the assumption that the key Strait of Hormuz will open within three weeks and energy production in the Middle East returns to normal within a year. The FDF, which represents 12,000 food and drink