Supply chain and logistics company SCALA has announced a Covid-19 supply chain emergency working group, bringing together companies supplying the grocery retail sector to ensure that the industry can “Feed the Nation”. 

The working group, known as the Covid-19 Supply Chain Collaboration Group, has already had commitments from over 20 UK grocery manufacturers. The group will initially bring together many of the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of food, drink and other consumer essentials, and intends to expand and link with retailers, food service and logistics companies.

The group will work together to co-ordinate ongoing industry initiatives, share ideas and collaborate with one another and the wider industry, all with the goal of supplying the UK and ensuring businesses and consumers alike have the essentials they need to survive the coronavirus pandemic. 

As an industry renowned for its resilience in the face of adversity – the last few years of political turmoil being a prime example of this – we’ll get through this, but collaboration will be key. “

John Perry, managing director at SCALA, said: “In these uncertain times, it has never been more important for us to all join forces, share our expertise and work together to combat the volatility of COVID-19 and keep the nation fed. 

“The UK is relying on the supply chain industry arguably more than ever before, and no-one should underestimate the efforts that will be required from drivers, key warehouse staff, planners and management teams over the coming weeks. As an industry renowned for its resilience in the face of adversity – the last few years of political turmoil being a prime example of this – we’ll get through this, but collaboration will be key.  

“We are proud to be assisting in the initiatives in bringing the industry together, and would urge any business that is looking to offer their support, or is unsure of what the coming weeks may bring, to come and speak with us.”