Online grocer Ocado has warned of capacity constraints and a drag on sales growth following a major fire at its Andover Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC).

The blaze, which started yesterday morning (5 February) in a corner of the ambient zone, was not contained as first believed and spread overnight.

Whilst now under control, Ocado said during the night part of the roof collapsed and there had been “substantial damage” to the majority of the building and its contents.

Ocado confirmed that no employees or members of the public have been injured during the incident.

A statement issued by the retailer said: “Once we have had time to assess the damage and prepare a plan to return the CFC to operation we will update further as appropriate.

“As Andover was providing approximately 10% of our current capacity, as a result of this incident there will be a constraint on our ability to meet our growing customer demand and there will be a reduction in sales growth until we can increase capacity elsewhere.”

Ocado confirmed it had comprehensive insurance for the property, stock and equipment on site, and for business interruption losses.

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