Allied Bakeries has increased bread production across the UK as the ‘Beast from the East’ causes supply problems for food operators.

The Kingsmill owner made the decision to increase production to meet greater demand from supermarket shoppers as weather conditions deteriorated, causing major disruption throughout the UK this week.

Storm Emma, or ‘The Beast from the East’, has caused temperatures to fall below freezing, with red weather alerts issued in Wales, Scotland and the south-west of England.

“Our cold weather contingency plans are in place and we will continue to work around the clock to supply freshly baked bread over the coming days,” said an Allied Bakeries spokesperson.

Roberts Bakery also confirmed to British Baker that they are experiencing an increase in demand as consumers react to news on shortages.

"Our drivers are pulling out all the stops to get bread to customers in some of the worst weather we have seen," said Roberts Bakery managing director Stuart Spencer-Calnan. 

Reports have suggested some supermarkets are running low on bread supplies, with consumers voicing concerns on social media.

Morrisons said its experiencing some localised issues, but has scratch bakeries and trained bakers in many stores who have been baking through the day to keep shelves stocked.

Sainsbury’s denied any bread shortage, assuring customers that essentials products such as bread and milk were still available.

“We’ve prepared for ‘The Beast from the East’ and there are no issues with supplies,” said a Sainsbury’s spokesperson.

Aldi and Tesco told British Baker they had no bread supply problems as a result of the weather.

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