Convenience food manufacturer Greencore has said maintaining food supply chains at the manufacturing, distribution and supermarket level will be an “increasingly critical” part of the national infrastructure in the weeks and months ahead as restaurants and foodservice outlets shut down in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Greencore, which is the largest sandwich maker in the UK and Ireland, said it is already seeing the impact of the coronavirus across its business with a pronounced change in the products consumers are buying.

We are closely monitoring all aspects of our business

The company said its supply chains and production network have remained fully operational as Europe braces itself for the worst impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Greencore is one of the largest buyers of Irish meat and other food ingredients for its range of sandwiches and ready meals.

Chief executive at Greencore Patrick Coveney said the company was committed to keeping its employees safe from the virus but would continue to produce food to feed Ireland and the UK.

“We are closely monitoring all aspects of our business and are confident that we have the team, customer partnerships and protocols in place to maintain food supply through this uncertain period,” he said.