Co-op issues update for after heatwave puts some fridges ‘out of action’

The chain had “small number” of its fridges and freezers experience issues this summer. The Channel Islands’ Co-op said the issue was due to “exceptionally hot weather“.

Chief executive Mark Cox told BBC Radio Jersey that about 10 of its frozen food and refrigeration units in stores across Jersey and Guernsey had broken down in the heat in recent weeks.

Jersey and Guernsey have experienced their warmest Julys since their records began, while the UK more broadly has faced repeated heatwaves.

Mr Cox said whenever issues had arisen, Co-op’s priority was to “act quickly to protect food safety and minimise disruption”.

Product loss was small as staff worked working quickly to avoid food waste.

All issues have now been resolved.

“Certainly through our infrastructure, with refrigeration and frozen food, that heat has meant that equipment has been working really hard over that period,” he said.

“I think we’ve probably had across our store estate 10 units out of action, whether that be frozen food case or a refrigeration case – as we stand today we don’t have any issues.”

Mr Cox expects to see “an improving situation” as temperatures start to cool in the coming weeks.

Co-op is developing plans to ensure its infrastructure could cope with high temperatures in the future.