"We realise this may be frustrating or inconvenient for some customers but we have to provide our teams with the time and ability to get as much product on-shelf as possible during this time of extraordinary and unprecedented demand," a company statement said.
Countdown reiterated their Friday message from managing director Natalie Davis that Countdown is not running out of food.
"We have plenty of food in our supply chain, however we simply cannot get it through the network fast enough if Kiwis don't slow down their shopping. This is the only way we can try to manage demand.
"We have every truck on the road possible, and every team member possible working to support our stores and online services, and we're hiring more.
"Every truck that has to go out full of toilet paper means regular supermarket supplies can't get through.
"We're also working on ways to ensure customers who need a bit more assistance can get the help they need in our stores and online.
"We would ask all our customers to continue to be kind, consider others and consider what you've got in your pantry already.
"Our teams continue to work tirelessly under difficult circumstances, so we ask that they are treated kindly and respectfully. We thank our customers for their continued patience and support as together we work through these challenging times together," Davis said.
• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website
