Record profits for grain firms amid food crisis prompt calls for windfall tax

Sales at world's top four traders have soared, raising concerns of profiteering and speculation

Companies at the centre of the global grain trade have enjoyed a record bonanza amid soaring food prices around the world, raising concerns of profiteering and speculation in global food markets that could put staples beyond the reach of the poorest, and prompting calls for a windfall tax.

The world's top four grain traders, which have dominated the global grain market for decades - have seen record or near-record profits or sales. They are forecasting demand to outstrip supply at least until 2024, which is likely to lead to even higher sales and profits in the next two years.