One of the Channel Islands’ largest food suppliers is attempting to reassure islanders, its staff, and customers across the Bailiwick that it is committed to continuing operations locally, but its future isn’t set in stone yet.
Express reported earlier this week that Cimandis is closing its operations in Jersey next month.
It said that it would continue serving customers in Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm. However, Express learned that the company’s premises in Guernsey is up for sale.
Cimandis currently has a lease on its Pitronnerie Road base, with the lease set to expire on 24 December, 2025.
When Express approached Cimandis about the expiring lease, it didn’t initially share comment on the topic, reiterating that it did intend to continue serving customers across the Bailiwick though.
Cimandis also said that when it comes to staff retention, and whether those in Jersey would be offered the chance to work in Guernsey, “all possible options are being considered”.
The firm laid the blame for closing up shop in Jersey on unfavourable trading conditions, adding that it was “doing everything” possible in order to “safeguard” Cimandis.
It also suggested there could be unforeseen complications.
“However, in the current economic climate, prices and trading conditions are changing all the time,” said Cimandis. “The devastating situation in Jersey is the result of specific operating conditions affecting our division in Jersey alone.”
In response to questions over the Guernsey side of the business specifically, and its looming move out of its Pitronnerie Road base, Managing Director Nigel Holliday said they’re doing everything they can, including negotiating with the landlord.
He said trading conditions in Guernsey, are currently more favourable than in Jersey and he’s confident in its future.
“The current trading environment in Guernsey is much more positive for Cimandis than it has been in Jersey, and we are hoping to bolster the Guernsey team in due course, to help strengthen our service there,” he said.
“We are committed to our Guernsey customer base, which includes Alderney, Herm, and Sark”.
Pictured; The building has been put up for Sale, with Cimandis’ lease due to expire on the 24 December this year, (Courtesy of rockcommercial.co.uk) 
Pictured; The building has been put up for Sale, with Cimandis’ lease due to expire on the 24 December this year, (Courtesy of rockcommercial.co.uk) 
Pictured; The building has been put up for Sale, with Cimandis’ lease due to expire on the 24 December this year, (Courtesy of rockcommercial.co.uk)
Mr Holliday added: “It’s unfortunate timing that the lease on our Guernsey site is currently up for renewal.
“We are in active conversations with the landlord and I would like to stress that no decisions have been made at this point in time.
“Our immediate priority is our Jersey team members, customers and suppliers, and we look forward optimistically regarding the future of Cimandis Foodservice.”