Asda to navigate through supply chain crisis by chartering cargo ship

Leeds-headquartered supermarket giant, Asda, has chartered its own cargo ship to ensure it can tackle the global supply chain crisis this Christmas.

The retailer also says its depots are finding room for extra stocks of festive seasonal products such as mince pies, confectionery, Christmas cakes and puddings.

And the business says it has recruited 15,000 temporary workers to serve customers during the period, while increasing the capacity of home delivery slots in the week before Christmas to one million, which is up from 765,000 last year.

Logistics industry leaders warned MPs last week that consumers could expect a scaled-back festive season in stores, with choice reduced to ensure seasonal essentials are in good supply.

Asda, which was last year acquired by Blackburn-based billionaires the Issa brothers and private equity backers TDR Capital, is currently without a chief executive after the departure of Roger Burnley earlier this year.

It recently announced the appointment of former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Rose as chairman.

In a statement yesterday, the Issa brothers said: “We know how much Christmas means to our customers, especially after some missed out on celebrations with friends and family last year.

“Our colleagues have pulled out all the stops during the last few months to make sure customers can get their favourite festive products at Asda and enjoy the Christmas they deserve – and we’d like to thank them for their continued effort and commitment to serving our customers.”