Alpro is creating a fund to offer immediate financial aid to the independent coffee shops facing financial difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic, with an initial £200,000 injection.
Supported by UK Coffee Week, the ‘In It Together’ is a campaign the plant-based food and drink supplier is hoping other suppliers pledge their support to.
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“Local coffee shops are the heart and soul of so many high streets, but the reality is that without additional support during the current UK lockdown, many of these smaller outlets could face closure,” says David Jiscoot, marketing director at Alpro UK & Ireland.
“That’s why we want to do all that we can to help businesses to navigate this crisis, but we can’t do it on our own,” adds Jiscoot. “We need all sectors of the coffee industry to band together to make sure we can help as many businesses as possible, so I’d like to invite everyone to get involved and pledge their support.”
Jeffrey Young, dounder of UK Coffee Week, explained that the fund is offering a lifeline to independent coffee shops. “This is why we’re throwing our support behind this initiative and calling on the coffee community to do the same. No donation is too small – please give what you can so we can all help our independents to get through this.”
The ‘In It Together’ fund will provide immediate financial aid to help business owners to manage cash flow, rental payments and staff costs.
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