Supermarkets blindsided by ‘shambolic’ stockpiling warning
Supermarkets have been caught off guard by the government’s “shambolic” campaign to urge Brits to stock up on supplies of food and water, industry sources told City AM. Retailers were not told the details of the government’s “Be Ready” campaign until days before it was announced and expected it to be a more “low key” [...]
Supermarkets have been surprised by the government's "Be Ready" campaign to encourage Brits to stockpile food and water, according to industry sources. The campaign, designed to prepare the public for various risks, was announced without prior notice to retailers, who expected it to be a low-key affair. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting led the campaign, surprising retailers as he was not originally involved in the launch.
The government's efforts to ensure retailers could meet increased demand were deemed "shambolic," with initial discussions focusing only on Thames Water and bottled water suppliers. Major supermarkets are cautiously engaging with suppliers to gauge potential demand spikes. Despite fears of panic buying similar to that witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic, industry officials remain confident in their ability to manage supply.
The British Retail Consortium, representing top supermarkets, is collaborating with the government on the initiative, emphasizing the importance of gradual stock buildup for individual households.
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