Transportation doesn’t look the same across the board.
It should be, first and foremost, customized to best suit your needs rather than going for a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why local businesses like to use the less-than-truckload model and corporations prefer to rely on airlines to transport expensive electronics. When it comes to direct store delivery, your method will go a long way in ensuring produce is fresh and everyone down the line is satisfied. Delivering perishable goods wasn’t even possible a century ago, much less in such an efficient manner, and that’s the tip of the iceberg of what you’ll learn below.
Become acquainted with your perishable food business transportation and learn about the options available at your fingertips.
The history of perishable food transportation is a fascinating one. Ancient cultures had to rely on cold cellars and short-term management to keep food from rotting. The refrigerated truck would later be introduced in the West during the late 1880’s, completely transforming the definition of ‘perishable’. Packaging, in particular, is starting to reach a useful middleground between eco-friendly and effective. The smallest change in how a product is stored can affect its ability to retain color and stay fresh across long distances. Direct store delivery will be your best arsenal in providing to outlets.
The specialty food industry is doing pretty well, do in no small part to the benefits of direct store delivery system. Industry estimates have seen the dollar sales of specialty food rising by 15% between 2014 and 2016, reaching nearly $128 billion and setting a record for the niche. The global food and agricultural industry today manifests as 10% of the world’s GDP. Customized delivery software and direct store delivery methods shrinks these massive numbers and ensure as little stock possible is ruined or lost. Not just stores, but customers expect only the best with today’s technology.
The changes you make will create a ripple effect everyone can feel. It’s not enough to cover the basics, but make sure the outlets you deliver to are covered. The average American household today sees 15% of its budget dedicated solely to food, according to the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics. Modern technology has also drastically shifted expectations regarding food delivery and storage. According to a recent study, around 60% of shoppers want their produce department to store more local items and organic items.
A lot is at stake when food isn’t properly stored or transported. More than 160 foods can cause allergic reactions in those with food allergies, though the law has gone at length to identify the eight most common allergenic foods. These account for up to 90% of food allergic reactions, which includes food sources from which other ingredients are derived. Other food hazards include contaminants (such as metal or dirt), bacterial growth, mold, viruses, and rot. Grocery store inventory software is just one way of keeping it all managed.
There are any simple methods that can ensure food is always up to par, whether you’re a farmer or a distributor. If you’re eating outdoors, for example, and the temperature is exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit it’s recommended perishable foods shouldn’t be left out for over an hour. Meat should always be checked with a thermometer, even if it appears fine at a glance. The addition of DSD software is highly recommended with today’s increasingly hungry market, as well. The FDA has to regulate up to $418 billion worth of domestic food every year.
From the farm to the hands of a family looking to stock up for dinner, the type of transportation used is a bridge to a healthier life.