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Shoprite is defending its record on supporting the Manx economy and jobs in the Isle of Man.
Last week the supermarket chain came under fire from the Steam Packet and the union Unite, over its decision to ship some goods to the Island on Mezeron's new daily container service from Liverpool.
Shoprite retorted, saying its hauliers used both shipping firms, with the chain itself employing more than 600 Manx workers and supporting 160 local suppliers.
Steam Packet boss Mark Woodward later issued an apology, confiming Shoprite remained a valued customer.
It was the latest turn in an ongoing spat over the effect competition for freight could have on jobs and passenger services at the Packet.
Shoprite's chief executive Andrew Thomas says the accusation of disloyalty was unfair:
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