The CCEP chief financial officer admitted to PA that the company is dealing with “logistical challenges and issues”, and said the shortage of aluminium cans is “key”:
“We are very happy with how we have performed in the circumstances, with service levels higher than a lot of our market competitors. There are still logistical challenges and issues though, as with every sector, and the shortage of aluminium cans is a key one for us now, but we are working with customers to successfully manage this.”
The shortage of cans has reportedly resulted in a disruption of Diet Coke supply to retail outlets in the UK. Amid those challenges, Jhangiani said “Supply chain management has become the most important aspect, following the pandemic, to ensure we have continuity for customers.”
Besides the issue with cans, the heavily-reported driver shortage in the UK has created shortages of bottled drinks in a number of UK supermarkets. However, CCEP says it has managed to limit the impact of this through its own supply chain solutions.
The comments from CCEP comes as UK chain Wetherspoons admitted it was facing issues with its supply of beer. Earlier this month, Nando’s and KFC were also hit by chicken supply problems, and now Pizza Hut appears to have issues too.
After reports of ice cream shortages emerged online, a spokesperson for Pizza Hut Restaurants said:
“Like other businesses in the UK, Pizza Hut Restaurants faces a complicated situation as we manage pandemic-related issues, including a supply chain affected by the shortage in HGV drivers. We are working with our suppliers and partners to limit disruption for our customers at this time.”