Co-op CEO calls for island discussion on food supply
FOOD security needs to be reviewed in the wake of the decision to close the Channel Islands last remaining warehouses, the Co-op's CEO has said.
Announced by the group last week, the move places 81 jobs in jeopardy and means the islands will lack infrastructure for long-term food storage, leaving them at the mercy of deliveries.
Now Colin Macleod, pictured, has said it is time for stakeholders to sit down and discuss contingency plans for prolonged disruptions to supplies.
Although noting the decision to shut the warehouses was out of political hands, he said it does have political ramifications.
'In light of the announcement it would be prudent to engage with other food retailers and the States to potentially update the emergency plans as they relate to food security.'
As part of the plans to relocate the distribution centre to Andover, the retailer has signed an agreement with an air-freight supplier to deliver goods to the island in the event of boat disruption. While this would not keep the shelves fully stocked, Mr Macleod said it would at least stop them running completely empty. Currently, on average, the stores hold between eight and 10 days' worth of stock.
