Heinz responds to criticism from wholesalers about its supply priorities
Heinz has responded to criticism from wholesalers that it has been prioritising supply to the supermarkets at the expense of wholesalers during the COVID-19 crisis.
Ross Warnes, sales director UK & Ireland, said: “In response to the huge surge in demand for Heinz sauces, Beanz, soups and pasta and the ongoing challenges of maintaining supply across all parts of the trade, we have revisited the fair share allocation to double-check any gaps in availability and have allocated more to the independent and wholesale channel.
“We have reviewed our shift pattern too and revised it to allow for less Sunday loading but a small increase in pick for vulnerable communities or enforced limitations. We have also expanded our loading capacity, and over the course of the next two weeks we will be removing truck allocations, and reducing lead time back to our standard order to delivery lead time.”
Warnes added: “Our purpose is to help feed the nation at this time of need and we are working day and night to replenish retailers and wholesalers with our most popular Heinz varieties and provide stock for care packages to be distributed to the elderly and vulnerable, as well as deliver on our charitable commitments. We are working very hard to ensure our complete our range is fully available as soon as we can.”
