Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts has written to customers to reassure them that there “will be plenty of food” this Christmas as global supply chains remain under strain.
He said stores will be getting regular deliveries right up until Christmas Eve and longer-life products such as Christmas cakes and puddings, mince pies, nuts and cranberry sauce, are already available.
Roberts expects Sainsbury’s to sell more fresh turkeys this year than ever before.
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“I also want to reassure you that there will be plenty of food and that we are confident that, even if the exact product you are looking for isn’t available, there will be a good alternative,” he wrote.
“I hope this helps you in planning for the festive season. All our colleagues and store teams are ready to do all we can to safely serve and help you in the weeks ahead.”
Retailers have warned that global supply chain disruption due to the pandemic and the shortage of lorry drivers is likely to affect Christmas supermarket shelves and toy deliveries.
The UK economy has been disrupted by several factors including labour shortages and new immigration rules affecting HGV drivers.
There is estimated to be a shortfall of around 100,000 lorry drivers, and soaring energy prices have also added to the cost of food production and logistics.
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