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The impact on supermarkets
Supermarkets and retailers are at the frontline of the food supply chain, facing a host of logistical challenges, particularly with perishable goods. In the UK alone, the retail sector is responsible for roughly 270,000 tons of food waste annually. A significant portion of this waste is linked to improper storage and handling, which becomes even more problematic when supply is strained, or demand is elevated.
Perishable items such as meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables require strict temperature and humidity control from the moment they leave the farm to the moment they reach the consumer. This need for consistency adds a layer of complexity to logistics. Many retailers are turning to technology to monitor storage conditions and optimize delivery routes to preserve quality and increase the volume of products that make it into customers’ hands. Those without robust technology in place often struggle during periods of high demand, leading to stock shortages and unnecessary waste.
Beyond internal operations, external factors can also create disruption. Climate events may damage crops or affect transport routes, while labor shortages in warehouses and logistics hubs can stall distribution. As regulatory requirements around traceability and food standards also become more rigorous, further layers of complexity are being added. Finally, the rise in online grocery shopping means food needs to be delivered directly to consumers as well as to store shelves, expanding the logistical footprint even further.
How technology can help
To meet these growing challenges, retailers need to invest in technology that offers visibility, control and adaptability. Tools such as predictive analytics can help anticipate supply issues before they occur, while real-time inventory tracking allows businesses to stay
ahead of shortages and avoid overstocking. The integration of Warehouse Management Systems( WMS) and Transportation Management Systems( TMS) has become foundational in building smarter, more responsive supply chains.
WMS platforms provide retailers with a clear view of what’ s in stock, where it is and when it needs replenishing, helping prevent both waste and missed sales. When integrated with TMS, the system becomes even more powerful. Delivery routes can be optimized, arrival schedules communicated in advance and order cycles better aligned with consumer demand. This flow of data helps create the kind of agility that modern food logistics demand.
Cold chain logistics, the storage and movement of temperature-sensitive
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