// Iceland’s frozen food sales “definitely ahead of forecasts for the past week”, says MD Richard Walker
// Walker says shoppers are turning to frozen food in a bid to stockpile in case of self-isolation
// He also said there was no need to panic buy
Shoppers are turning to frozen food as the coronavirus outbreak spreads, Iceland managing director Richard Walker has said.
Walker told PA Wires that there was no need for shoppers to panic buy, with the frozen food grocer reporting “no supply issues” despite the outbreak.
His comments come shortly after Iceland revealed it has cut 29 per cent of its yearly plastic usage after a series of sustainability pledges in 2018.
READ MORE:
- Iceland boasts 29% reduction in plastic usage
- Iceland MD criticises retailers’ refill trials for accelerating food waste
- Iceland to reduce plastic packaging in fruit & veg by 93%
Walker said shoppers were turning to frozen food in a bid to stockpile in case of self-isolation, but warned that panic-buying could harm more vulnerable customers.
“Sales are definitely ahead of forecasts for the past week,” he told PA.
“People are choosing to stock up on frozen and our deliveries are above expectations as well.
“We’ve had no problems with supply or stock whatsoever, although obviously demand has been high.
“I think customers also have a responsibility to shop responsibly as not everyone can afford to stockpile.
“It’s important we all work together.”
Meanwhile, The Grocer reported that the supermarket boss called on the government to remove the 5p bag plastic charge following the virus outbreak, although he said he believed there was no need for the change.
Walker spearheaded efforts to cut down on Iceland’s plastic usage, with the retailer removing 3794 tonnes of plastic from its stores.
It revealed the plastic reduction two years after the retailer laid out plans which will see it remove plastics from all own-label product packaging by the end of 2023.
with PA Wires
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter
