Supply Chain Development and logistic design of fresh food chains

To guarantee the quality of fresh products from the field to the consumer, the entire supply chain must be able to respond adequately and quickly. Experts of Wageningen University & Research help fresh food companies to optimise the logistics of the supply chain so that the products reach the right consumers at the right time and without quality losses. To this end, our experts apply an integrated chain approach, focusing both on individual supply chains and the sustainable and circular reorganisation of complete sectors, regions and even countries.  

Chain-wide approach

By identifying, modelling and optimising agrifood flows, our experts can help governments and businesses to make existing and new fresh food supply chains sustainable and cost-efficient. Not only are market developments considered, but also logistical, geographical and organisational factors, as well as the ecological footprint. Together with the stakeholders we determine which of these factors have an influence on the logistic organisation of the supply chain:

• Physical transport and modes of transport
• Packaging
• Availability of information on the product and the supply chain
• Quality control points
• Stocks
• Ordering systems
• Market demand
• Organisational designs and stakeholder management
• Sustainability criteria
• Future scenarios

Inefficiencies and solutions are identified using various analysis techniques and tested in pilot projects if desired. The options include e.g.:

• A strategic plan for making fresh food supply chains more sustainable, for example a quality-driven Agri-Logistic plan or a roadmap for a country or supply chain stakeholder to help them minimise product and quality losses by identifying and implementing smart solutions in the field of prevention, reduction and valorisation.
• Scenarios for transitions such as from traditional animal protein to more sustainable and often new sources of protein.
• Feasibility and scalability analyses for manufacturers, retailers, and/or logistics companies and governments that provide insight into the costs and benefits of innovations and improvements in the fresh food supply chain. The analyses produce realistic scenarios and practical, scientifically-based recommendations. Interventions can be assessed for feasibility and scalability in pilot projects if desired.

Fresh food supply chains more efficient, sustainable and circular

Wageningen Food & Biobased Research combines technical and socio-economic expertise to make fresh food supply chains more efficient, sustainable and circular. The experts of Wageningen University & Research’s various departments work together and have an integrated and broad view of the agri-food system. This enables us to optimise logistical design of the supply chain with the most suitable intervention and translate complex issues relating to supply chain (growth)capacity into clear advice.