Groupage delays into Northern Ireland ‘hardest problem to solve’, Cabinet official tells MPs

UK distributors are calling for the army to be mobilised to prevent the imminent breakdown of the country’s food supply chain, due to a critical shortage of HGV drivers.

Marks and Spencer Group has acquired Gist, the principal contract logistics provider to M&S Food, for £230m and said the move will accelerate its plan to modernise the food supply chain network.

Parcel carrier Yodel has seen pet food deliveries more than double since 2018, boosted by UK consumers turning to online shopping during the pandemic and an increase in pet ownership as restrictions saw tens of thousands of employees working from home.