COVID-19 Update

Over the past few weeks, we have seen an incredible effort by people in the food industry not only support the increase their manufacturing output but massively shift their business model to deal with the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Whilst we hear on a regular basis the sacrifice of NHS workers (and rightly so!), we sometimes forget the people who are keeping the food on our plates.  

The entire supply chain has done an amazing job and continue to do so considering the initial demand, then a slump and a return to a degree of normality over a 3 week period.  

I think in the main the industry needs congratulating for the speed that it has adapted to social distancing in the work place, whether on farms, food manufacturing, logistics and retail.

In a time of crisis there are always going to people and businesses that suffer.  The food service channel, hospitality, on-trade and travel sectors have really suffered because of the Covid-19 outbreak and hopefully the encouraging ‘green shoots’ that are coming from the Government briefings give enough confidence for the backers and banks to stick with these guys.  

I am staggered to see the speed of adaption by a number of businesses.  Catering Butchers predominantly servicing Restaurants now providing direct to consumer offerings,  Food to Go businesses supporting our NHS and food business on the whole supporting food banks.

Obviously the end of this lockdown cant come quick enough for a lot of these businesses and their employees but hopefully with support the exit strategy and government support will keep these invaluable organisations afloat supporting our economy.

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