Supermarket chain Asda has chartered its own 350 container cargo ship to protect the availability of key festive products. 

Earlier this week, Asda updated on its Q3 trading performance and outlined the proactive steps it has taken to ensure customers can buy their favourite festive products this Christmas.

The trading quarter, which covered the period from 1st July to 30th September, saw like-for-like sales excluding fuel decline by 0.7%. 

This is compared with the same period last year, during which time sales were boosted by the ongoing social distancing restrictions, which resulted in more meals being consumed at home.

Demand for online groceries softened slightly during the quarter, with sales down by 2.7% on the same period last year as more customers returned to shopping in store. 

However, online sales remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, up by 80% on the same period two-years ago.

The supermarket also enhanced its online offering with the launch of a one-hour ‘Express Delivery’ service in June giving customers faster and more convenient delivery options. 

In a call with investors, Asda said it was successfully navigating the industry-wide supply chain challenges and highlighted the proactive steps it has taken during recent months to help ensure its shelves are stocked with everything shoppers need for Christmas.