Storm Daragh. Storm Eowyn. These two recent weather events, and two very clear warnings: extreme weather is no longer the exception — it’s becoming the rule.

Now is the time for FMCG suppliers, retailers, and manufacturers — particularly those dependent on shipping between Ireland and the UK — to reflect on how stock is managed throughout the year. For many, this may involve updating their business continuity plan to include stock consolidation strategies that go beyond seasonal peaks and account for wider, ongoing risks.

Climate Disruption is the New Normal

According to Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council, the country must “scale up preparations” for increasingly frequent and severe weather events due to global warming (Irish Times, March 2025). The United Nations’ latest climate report also confirms that 2024 saw record-breaking weather disruptions, impacting infrastructure and supply chains on a global scale.

Logistics UK noted in its 2024 end-of-year report that supply chain interruptions due to weather accounted for 18% of reported delays across the UK and Ireland — up from 11% the previous year.

The European Environment Agency warns that failure to adapt supply chain infrastructure to climate volatility could result in an annual EU-wide cost of €170 billion by 2050.

For businesses operating across the Irish Sea, this is not an abstract threat. It’s operational risk — happening in real time.

Lessons from Storms Daragh & Eowyn

In November, Holyhead Port — a key artery for Ireland-UK freight — was seriously damaged and closed for weeks. With 60% of freight passing through this route, rerouting shipments added significant time, cost, and complexity. The Irish Times reported that many hauliers were forced to increase rates by up to 30% to facilitate re-routing and associated costs, with this impact ultimately being passed along the chain to consumers.

Storm Eowyn caused widespread disruption across road and sea transport networks, highlighting the vulnerability of key infrastructure during extreme weather events. Fallen trees, flooding, and debris blocked key transport routes, while high winds led to ferry cancellations and delays across the Irish Sea. These disruptions affected scheduled deliveries, created backlogs, and limited the movement of goods between Ireland and the UK, putting further pressure on time-sensitive supply chains.

A Wake-Up Call For Businesses Reliant On Supply Chains

Most FMCG companies already plan around seasonal peaks — Christmas, Easter, or major promotions. But when events like Daragh or Eowyn hit, the traditional playbook isn’t enough.

Business Continuity Planning for Severe Weather, should include

• Assessing the high-level impact of weather disruptions on operations and finances.
• Consulting suppliers and logistics partners on their resilience planning.
• Evaluation of the availability of buffer stock and alternative supply lines.
• Consider how customer demand might shift during a weather emergency — e.g. the demand for essential goods may surge.

If your business relies on “just in time” inventory or long lead times

through vulnerable routes, then you’re exposed.

Stock Consolidation as a Strategic Advantage

At TST Group, we believe that warehousing is not just about storage — it’s about resilience. Stock consolidation at our facilities can help protect your supply chain in several key ways:

Mitigate Delays: Keep a proportion of key stock closer to market to reduce risk from port closures or ferry cancellations.

Ensure Availability: With TST Group offering multi-site warehousing throughout Ireland and the UK, you’re better placed to fulfil customer demand even when transit is disrupted.

Control Costs: Avoid the reactive expenses of emergency shipping, last-minute third-party storage, or loss of sales due to stockouts.

Plan with Confidence: Integrate warehousing into a proactive continuity strategy that flexes with seasonal demand and extreme events.

Why Companies Choose TST Group

We work with manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers across the food and drink, household, and personal care categories. Many of our clients operate multi-channel models and need speed, flexibility, and certainty — no matter the weather.

Our warehousing solutions are:

• Temperature-controlled and ambient, suitable for a wide range of FMCG goods.
• Strategically located, reducing dependency on single transport corridors.
• Scalable, with the capacity to support long-term planning or short-term contingencies.

Continuity is Competitive Advantage

The past 12 months have shown that businesses who plan ahead are the ones who maintain service levels and protect customer trust. Stock consolidation isn’t just a box to tick for the next peak season — it’s a core part of staying competitive in an unpredictable climate.