Dutch supermarkets plan for food supply during crises

Dutch supermarkets are creating crisis plans to keep essential food available amid warnings of power outages, cyberattacks, and potential wartime disruptions.

The National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) said geopolitical tensions could make the Netherlands a target for sabotage or cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, including electricity, water, and internet. The food supply chain is also at risk.

Marc Jansen, director of the supermarket association CBL, said the sector is working with the government to maintain food delivery. Plans include lists of essential items such as bread and baby food. “We are looking at what we can provide in crisis situations with a basic assortment. Instead of a wide range, we might supply one type of margarine or peanut butter instead of multiple options,” he told NU.nl.

Supermarkets’ inventory systems rely on electricity and internet to track and reorder products. Jansen said, “We proved during the coronavirus crisis that supermarkets can remain open and shelves stocked. But with a major disruption, like a prolonged power outage, keeping stores supplied becomes a huge challenge.”

Consumer behavior can worsen crises. “During the coronavirus pandemic, hoarding toilet paper caused extreme pressure on the distribution chain. There wasn’t a shortage of products, but mass buying created a problem,” Jansen told the newspaper.