Coronavirus outbreak: FMCG firms limit operations only to essential items; Amazon, Walmart to stop non-essential sales

As various state governments issue notifications, the FMCG firms are in discussions with them to ensure that manufacture and distribution of essential products are streamlined ITC, Nestle and Dabur on Tuesday said they are producing only the essential items at their manufacturing units amid the lockdown to prevent spread of coronavirus. However, the company said as it is “in the manufacture and sale of food and beverage products, the company is in discussion with the authorities to continue operations in the factories/ distribution centres where the operations has been suspended.” Beverages major Coca-Cola India has also suspended its manufacturing operations and is only producing “essential beverages”, such as water, juices, tea and coffee, at its manufacturing facilities in small number complying to the local government’s regulations. Home-grown FMCG major Dabur India has also suspended its manufacturing operations, excluding essential items such as Ayurvedic medicines, Chyawanprash, hand sanitisers and hand wash. “We have temporarily suspended production at our manufacturing units till March 31, 2020, except for essential products such as Ayurvedic medicines, Chyawanprash, hand sanitisers and hand wash in the larger public interest,” said Dabur India in a statement. A lot will depend on the stabilisation of the overall scenario arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.” Similarly, Nestle India said, “Impact on the operations of the company cannot be assessed at this point.” Amazon.com Inc’s India unit on Tuesday said it will halt orders for non-essential products in India to prioritize customers’ critical needs at a time when much of the country is under lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.