By Steve Strunsky, NJ Advance Media
Lessons learned by food retailers, wholesalers, distributors and shoppers should prevent the same kind of shortages of paper towels, toilet paper, hand and surface sanitizers and some food staples that seemed to disappear along with other elements of normal life last spring, said Linda Doherty, president and CEO of the New Jersey Food Council, which represents 1,400 supermarkets, independent grocers, and convenience stores up and down the Garden State.
“Grocers have been enhancing inventory on key staple grocery items, toiletries and sanitizers as manufacturers have been discontinuing some products that are not as popular to ease up on supply chain pressures,” Doherty said in an email. “Many consumers already have a personal stockpile at home, so any virus resurgence is not expected to cause panic buying.”
That said, Doherty did note that the persistence of the pandemic will have an impact on grocers, especially as shoppers plan their upcoming holiday dinners.
“We foresee a subdued holiday season with smaller family gatherings, so there is a focus on smaller turkeys, hens and hams for modest get togethers,” Doherty said. “Supply chain has been sourcing additional suppliers, taking on new private label products and has advance stock of typical holiday favorites so our New Jersey customers will be in good shape to celebrate Thanksgiving and the seasonal fall/winter holidays.”
“Retailers could place limits on high demand inventory if item-demand becomes too great,” Doherty added. “But that would be on a case by case basis.”
Supermarkets and other food retailers were among the few businesses deemed essential after New Jersey confirmed its first coronavirus case on March 4, and Gov. Phil Murphy declared a health emergency five days later.
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