Cadbury owner Mondelez 'stockpiling ingredients' in case of no-deal Brexit
Cadbury owner Mondelez International has reportedly revealed it is stockpiling ingredients, chocolates and biscuits in case of a no-deal Brexit.
Hubert Weber, the European boss of Mondelez, said the UK was "not self-sufficient in terms of food ingredients" and confirmed the stockpiling as part of contingency plans for a hard Brexit, according to The Times.
It marks the latest revelation over stockpiling ahead of Brexit as fears mount the UK may fail to agree terms of its withdrawal by the Brexit deadline next March.
He also warned shoppers may face higher prices and fewer choices if a deal is not agreed and added he wished Britain was "at a different stage (in negotiations with the EU) at this stage".
Mr Weber said: "Like the whole of the food and drink industry in the UK, we would prefer a good deal that allows the free flow of products, as that would have less of an impact to the UK consumer.
"However, we are also preparing for a hard Brexit and, from a buffering perspective for Mondelez, we are stocking higher levels of ingredients and finished products, although you can only do so much because of the shelf life of our products."
Europe is Mondelez’s biggest global division, accounting for 40% of revenue last year.
A raft of firms across the industry are said to be stockpiling and making no-deal plans.
Matt Hancock, Britain’s new Health and Social Care Secretary, said in July officials were considering working with industry to stockpile drugs, medical devices and supplies in the event of a no-deal scenario.
Drugs giant AstraZeneca said in August patients in the European Union may not be able to receive medicines from the UK post-Brexit if it does not "prepare well" for a no-deal scenario.