How Food Distribution Is Adjusting to the Pandemic in 2020
Since its emergence, COVID-19 has disrupted many industries. One of the most affected has been the food consumption and distribution industry along with its supply chain. Since then, restaurants have been forced to shut down, some permanently, while others transition to take-out only to maintain sales. K-12 school cafeterias and university dining halls are empty and with no events happening, the need for catering services has disappeared.
The challenge for food service distributors will be to adjust to these changes through comprehensive strategy. As suppliers are tasked with keeping the shipments flowing based on direct-to consumer demand, distributors will need to focus on minimizing waste and running as efficiently as possible while enhancing health and safety procedures.
Minimizing Waste in Distribution
As restaurants and schools begin to open back up to some capacity, the demand for food distribution will begin to increase as well. However, with that being said, numbers will not be the same as before the pandemic began. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of food waste and be realistic of how much produce or products each establishment will need as health sanctions begin to slowly lift up around the country.
Increasing Distribution Efficiency
Adjusting to current disruptions in the marketplace means food suppliers must reevaluate delivery operations. Utilizing sophisticated technologies on routes helps to eliminate bulky systems and streamline sales. Solutions like GPS location, voice messages, and photos implemented into delivery increases driver efficiency. These systems will eliminate cumbersome daily paperwork and empower companies to make meaningful change.
Implementing Health and Safety Procedures
Transportation and food distribution has taken longer than usual as medical supplies and equipment have now taken top priority. Sanitation processes contribute to this wait time as employee and food safety continues to be imperative. Food safety is always top of mind in food distribution, and now should be no exception. Be sure to strengthen employee and food handling procedures to hone processes and let customers know you are committed to excellence.
Employee Health
With social distancing being enforced in workplaces and employee sick policies becoming stricter, food distributors will have to transition to a smaller workforce in these facilities. This change will affect the supply chain as fewer workers will equal longer packaging and transition wait times for establishments. As sanctions begin to lift and the demand increases, so too will the need for workers in these facilities – decreasing wait times as on-time food delivery is the top priority.
Connect With Peddler’s Son For Wholesale Food Distribution
As we continue to adjust to the ever-changing environment during the pandemic, Peddler’s Son continues to provide high-quality service and products founded on integrity and transparency since 1988. Contact us today and let us help you grow!