Channel Islands Co-op is preparing for a no-deal Brexit by storing additional quantities of food and popular items.
The retailer struck an agreement with the government of Jersey to provide essential supplies. Signed by the minister for external relations, senator Ian Gorst, and the chief executive of Channel Islands Co-op, Colin Macleod, the agreement aims to ensure that regardless of the impact on supply chains of a no-deal Brexit, islanders on Jersey will be protected from food shortage.
The society is looking to mitigate the risks of supply chain disruption by holding essential ambient grocery products on island. In 2018 the society returned £8m to local member owners in dividend.
Senator Gorst said: “I am delighted with the support offered by Channel Island Co-op to provide increased resilience to the island’s supplies in advance of Brexit.
“We’ve supported the work of the Chamber of Commerce to encourage islanders to sensibly prepare by considering what items they might need in the event of supply chain disruption. Now, thanks to the good work of the co-op, we are increasingly confident that there will be sufficient food and essential goods stored on Jersey, so that islanders should not feel the need to overstock at home.”
Colin Macleod said: “Channel Islands Co-op as Jersey’s leading community retailer, is acutely aware of the impact that disruption to the island’s supply chain could have, especially on those most vulnerable, including elderly islanders and families with young children.
“I am proud that we have been able to provide support to the Government as Jersey negotiates the complexities of Brexit, and I hope that the sensible precautions we have taken will ensure islanders do not experience a significant impact in the event of a no deal exit.”
