New Chubb Advisory Gives Supermarkets Food For Thought on Minimizing and Protecting Against Evolving Risks

PHILADELPHIA – January 23, 2017 – Tainted food, liquor liability, and criminal activity are among some of the most critical and urgent risks facing today’s supermarkets, according to a new Chubb advisory. While common issues such as slip-and-fall incidents remain front and center, the advisory warns that as supermarkets add new services and products such as pharmacies, daycare operations, and home delivery to attract customers in a fiercely competitive business environment, they expose themselves to a wider range of risks.

“It only takes a single incident to cause irreparable damage to a brand’s reputation and financial health. In such a competitive field, it’s prudent for supermarket operators and management to be diligent and take extra precautions to help mitigate a wide range of exposures,” said Nicholas Davis, Vice President, Chubb Excess Casualty. “While more common risks such as injuries due to spills or broken glass seem to get the spotlight, supermarkets should assess whether they are covered for a full range of risks, and work with an insurer who understands the complexities of this industry to craft the most comprehensive coverage.”

“Supermarkets: Addressing the Risks in an Evolving Market” was co-authored by Mr. Davis and Stephanie McMullen, Assistant Vice President, Excess Casualty, Chubb North America. The advisory explores the most salient risks facing today’s supermarkets, including:

Slip-and-fall Incidents – Slips, trips and falls due to spilled liquids and dropped foods remain some of the most common and costly risks for supermarkets.
Tainted Food – As supply-chain and contamination concerns gain more attention, the penalties for tainted food have become increasingly severe.
Alcohol Sales – Beer, wine, and liquor sales have expanded to represent a significant part of supermarkets’ revenues in many states.
Assault, Battery and Robberies – Supermarkets continuously remain a potential target for crime of all types.

The full advisory can be read here, which includes additional risks supermarket operators face, as well information on the benefits of having a tailored policy to protect against applicable risks.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at chubb.com.

Media Contacts:

Laurie Taylor: (908) 903-2611; ltaylor@chubb.com