The process of getting fresh produce from “farm to fork” is a long one, involving numerous steps, various entities and extensive regulation. Communication is the key to success.
The supply chain of fresh food delivered under controlled temperatures in which the producer (product supplier), logistics operator and the recipient participate, is subject to constant changes. These changes are influenced by food safety laws, new technologies, high expectations regarding the highest quality standards at every stage of the supply chain as well as the needs of the fast-changing market.
The key role of a modern logistics operator is no longer exclusively transport and storage of goods. Leading logistics players should monitor and observe the market from a broader perspective, being aware of their impact on other participants in the supply chain. Each link is an individual unit that has its own conditions, limitations and ways of working. However, in this individualism there must be a place for mutual cooperation, support and – above all – trust, without which, individual links in the supply chain would not have a chance to exist on the market.
A logistics operator standing in the middle of the product route “from farm to fork” has the opportunity to observe the whole process, and thus notices the needs of both suppliers and recipients, combining the interests of these two entities. Logistics companies should consciously cooperate and establish partner relations not only with their direct contractors, but they should also be engaged in all activities, besides business, that are focused on optimizing the supply chain as well as emphasizing the role and importance of transport and promoting the food sector in the international arena.
Furthermore, each participant in the supply chain can succeed only by engaging in joint action and synergy which is based on cooperation and, most importantly, through mutual trust. The overarching priority for every entity in the supply chain should be to ensure the best quality of the product that goes “to fork.”
The key factor guaranteeing a high quality of service is primarily dialogue, as well as mutual understanding and an awareness of the market situation. In recent months, several trends have been intensified, including the increase in labor costs, low unemployment resulting in a shortage of drivers and warehouse employees, rising energy costs, as well as limited availability of transport and new legal regulations. Our partners, who understand the dificult situation in the transport, shipping and logistics (TSL) sector industry, are involved in optimization projects, so that the final consumer, which is us, can find fresh and, most importantly, safe food in the supermarket.
Last but not least, if we all follow the same direction, we must understand and support each other. This is the new dimension of logistics; focused not only on the core competences of the logistics operator but concentrated on mutual complementation and interpretation of the common priorities of each participant in the supply chain. If all three entities, i.e. the producer, the logistics company and the recipient, recognize that their main goal is to provide the consumer with fresh food, then this is the best basis for optimization of the supply chain.
