The Channel Islands Co-operative Society Limited has agreed with the Government of Jersey to store additional quantities of food and popular items, over and above their usual stock, in order to provide islanders with essential supplies in the event of a no deal Brexit.
The agreement, which has been signed by the Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, and the Chief Executive of the Co-op, Colin Macleod, will ensure that whatever the impacts felt within the United Kingdom as a result of Brexit, they will look to protect Jersey residents from food shortages through supply chain disruption.
The Co-op has taken steps to mitigate the risks of any supply chain disruption by holding some essential ambient grocery products on-island.
Senator Gorst commented: “I am delighted with the support offered by the Channel Island Co-operative Society 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 commented: “The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, as Jersey’s leading community retailer, are 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.”
Government of Jersey and the Channel Island’s Cooperative Society Press Release.