Shippers are continuing to make plans to utilise airfreight in case the UK leaves the European Union in March without a trade deal in place.
Speaking to reporters after the company’s annual general meeting, Irish food firm Greencore's chief executive Patrick Coveney confirmed that it had made plans to airlift ingredients such as rocket and spinach into the UK if a no-deal Brexit results in hold-ups at channel crossings.
The sandwich maker would initiate its “Brexit battle plan” within three weeks if a deal is not agreed between the Brussels and the UK.
Around 20% of the company’s ingredients are sourced from outside the UK, the Belfast Telegraph reported.
He added that if the company were to airfreight goods because of snarl ups on channel crossings, its customers would need to make a firm commitment to cover the cost.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that its contingency planning for no-deal Brexit includes airfreight for short shelf-life products.
“The Government has secured an airborne route as a contingency measure to move medical products where there is an urgent transport requirement,” the department said.
It warned that if a deal cannot be agreed, the EU will treat the UK as a third-country subject to full-controls on goods and people.
It has also asked drugs companies to stockpile a rolling six week supply of medicines for six months in case no deal is reached.
Medicines will also be given priority at ferry crossing points, the government has said.
Earlier this month, car manufacturer Aston Martin told Reuters that it had hired a new supply chain chief and was preparing to airfreight components and use alternative ports to Dover as it prepared for the worst case scenario.
Air cargo companies are also preparing to offer their services. Stansted-based Jota Aviation, which launched cargo services last year with four BAe 146-300 QT aircraft, tweeted this week that it can help with Brexit contingency planning be offering guaranteed airlift.
And freight forwarder Panalpina has outlined how its charter network could help companies avoid Brexit related disruption.
