Articles
Food Logistics

Freshening Up
Organic, non-GMO, free range, locally sourced, sustainably sourced, antibiotic free, vegan, and artisanal food preferences are all the rage for a sizable minority seeking healthful eating choices. This trend is one of several convergent forces impacting the grocery business that will ultimately change the supply chain operations of successful players. It’s not just millennials or […]
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FSMA: How to Avoid the Compliance Cops
HALT! Be on the lookout for the Food Safety Modernization Act, which will impact all food shippers and carriers. We rounded up some expert advice, because if you don’t know the new rules, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
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The Dairy Supply Chain: From Farm to Fridge
How milk and other dairy products moo-ve from tens of thousands of cows to store shelves across the country — with udder efficiency.
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Trends—September 2015
Rising Labor Costs Eat Into Fast Food Supply Chains When New York State’s wage board voted to raise minimum pay to $15 in July 2015, it set tails wagging around the country. The wage hike, which will be phased in over the next three years upon approval by the state’s labor commissioner, only applies to […]
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Global Logistics—September 2015
Ocean Carrier Dependability Ebbs Over the past few years, steamship lines have been juggling assets and throttling back transit times to better balance supply and demand. A slowdown in global trade—especially between Asia and Europe—and the industry’s well-publicized struggles with overcapacity have forced the issue for many carriers. While shippers and supply chains have adjusted […]
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Regulatory Update: Playing by the Rules
Mark our words: Legislative and regulatory resolutions could spell trouble for shippers and carriers in 2015.
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Delivering Reliability in a Challenging Market
THE CUSTOMER: This global shipper is a leader in frozen and refrigerated (reefer) food products and logistics marketing. They work with supplier partners and customers in more than 140 countries on six continents. They’re one of Maersk Line North America’s top five refrigerated export customers. THE PARTNER: Maersk Line, Florham Park, NJ Founded in 1904, […]
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Food Safety Modernization Act: Safe Travels
The Food Safety Modernization Act will have a huge impact on food supply chains. Here’s your passport to preparation.
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How to Prepare for the Food Safety Modernization Act
When President Obama signed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in January 2011, it marked the first time in more than 70 years that the U.S. government introduced any significant legislative change to the food industry. The motive was clear: Educate and instruct public and private sectors on how […]
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Leslie Dean: Serving Up FroYo Mojo
Leslie Dean is senior director, supply chain at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Encino, Calif. She has held that position since 2013. Responsibilities: Identifying suppliers and negotiating contracts; defining product specifications for proprietary goods; supporting the marketing team in product development; managing third-party distribution relationships. Experience: Director of purchasing/distribution, general manager international operations, quality assurance, Mrs. […]
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Regulation as an Opportunity
Manufacturers are facing an increasing number of regulations in a variety of areas from increasing food safety to meeting specific ground-level ozone policies. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, signed into law in 2011, is just one example of recent legislation. Resulting from widespread cases of tainted eggs and peanut butter, the sweeping […]
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Managing SKU Proliferation in the Beverage Industry
Q: What is SKU proliferation, and what drives it? A: Competition is driving beverage makers to expand their portfolios to provide a wider array of product, flavor, package, and beverage choices. All these choices generate new stockkeeping units (SKUs). SKU proliferation, in turn, drives the need for smarter use of labor, distribution networks, warehousing space, […]
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Cold Storage: Optimization by Degrees
As the food industry gets a taste of rising prices, fluctuating energy costs, and new regulations, shippers develop a growing appetite for 3PLs and refrigerated public warehouses to help drive greater efficiency inside the four walls.
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Perishable Logistics: Cold Chain on a Plane
Careful planning for perishable air cargo helps shippers keep their cool.
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Food Shippers Go Green
From PepsiCo to Land O’Lakes, these food manufacturers and producers have sustainability best practices down pat.
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Enhancing Safety Up-N-Down
In-N-Out’s new distribution center serves up an extra helping of loading dock safety and efficiency.
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Ag Logistics: Growing Pains
The success of U.S. agriculture depends on a functional transportation and logistics network that combines efficiencies and economies across all modes.
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Food Logistics Taps into Tech Solutions
Smart technology helps cold chain shippers prevent product spoilage and loss.
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Restaurant Logistics: Serving up the Perfect Meal
To satisfy consumers’ hunger for quality food at low prices, the restaurant industry adds enhanced supply chain management processes to the menu.
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Failure is Not an Option: Questions and Answers with Brian Hancock
As the world’s largest distributor of products to the world’s largest restaurant company, Martin-Brower is under extreme pressure to deliver to McDonald’s accurately, on time, every time. Inbound Logistics met with Brian Hancock, president, North America, for Martin-Brower, to discuss the unique supply chain supporting the Golden Arches.
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