With uncertainty surrounding Brexit showing no sign of slowing down, the company said its aim is to “optimise its ability to supply customers in hospitals, care homes and their own homes” - warning that the UK food industry could be “severely disrupted.”
Apetito has already implemented its ‘stock contingency plan,’ which includes:
- Increasing stocks of ‘high risk’ raw materials and finished goods with a working capital cost of £5m
- Raw materials stocks of “high risk” items will be increased from four to eight weeks
- Finished goods stocks increased from an average of five to six weeks
- Additional storage for the next six months (costing over £100,000)
UK and Canada chair and chief executive, Paul Freeston, explained: “Given the level of uncertainty, apetito is investing heavily in a contingency plan to protect our customers.
“We are proud to serve some of the most vulnerable in society and we are determined to do everything we can to maintain supply.
“Meanwhile, we believe it is essential that the current political stalemate is resolved so the food and farming industry can get on with its job of feeding the nation.
“This in turn requires frictionless trade with the remaining EU members, who form a vital part of the UK supply chain.”