Although we take it for granted, we all are impacted by the food supply chain. There are certain steps that are taken from the inception of food to the delivery of food to its consumers. We’d all be more informed and appreciative if we understood the process of the food supply chain. A solid food supply chain is needed to handle the consumer’s demand for high quality food products.
The 4 Outlined Steps
There are certainly levels in packing and transporting food from one location to the next with minimum loss. Every company must take strategic steps that can make it possible for consumers to be provided with good quality products.
First up is the production level. Here is where food is sourced and is grown or developed in accordance with food safety laws. Guidelines make it possible to ensure quality, appearance, and modifications to food products. Every product is once at its raw form. Either there is a long method to manufacture a product, or it simply needs to be sorted and washed.
The second step in the food supply chain is taking the products and store them properly. It’s not the easiest task to handle food, especially in large quantities. Therefore, there is a system in place where food is evaluated, packed in the right kinds of boxes or crates, and are ready to be transported. The evaluation checks the food safety requirements. You have to be sure to store products in the correct environment so that they do not perish or get ruined.
Next, once the food is packed up, it is shipped out in a step known as distribution. Sending food out to its final destination can require contracting various modes of transportation. You need to decide if the products need to be shipped via trucks, rail, air, ocean, or a combination. Most frequently, the food supply chain runs on tight scheduling due to the nature of the products.
The final step in the food supply chain is selling the products where it is being marketed from. Retailers advertise the goods and should be aware of any expiration dates. In addition, these retailers would need to find effective ways to attract consumers to the products and make the sale.
Why is the Food Supply Chain Important?
The food supply chain must follow sustainable and safe practices from inception to consumption. Each of the discussed steps require expertise in the proper handling and care of food products. These steps need to remain efficient to stay at a competitive price point in the marketplace. There are always high chances of food wastage if one does not follow the right procedures. That is why it is important to have check points of inspections during and between these steps. The journey of food can be rewarding if quality is overseen and monitored at all times. It starts with the farmer, moves along to production managers, then goes to the hands of the transportation team and finally the retail workers. A well-managed food supply chain will deter problems from arising and causing loss down the line.
At Becker Logistics, food shipping is our bread and butter. We have teams of account managers and carrier representatives that can help you get the best shipping available. Over the past 24 years, we have also assembled an impressive carrier base that can handle any and all freight. If you want to see if Becker Logistics is the Food and Beverage 3PL for you then feel free to reach out at any time or request a quote.
