We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2023
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2023
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Food industry groups partner to keep supply lines open
Forward Thinking

Food industry groups partner to keep supply lines open

March 19, 2020
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) and FMI-Food Industry Association are partnering to try and keep store shelves stocked amid the coronavirus pandemic. The groups announced an ad-hoc partnership today that aims to match foodservice distribution companies that have excess product, warehouse space, and transportation capacity to food retailers and wholesalers in need of assistance, the associations said.

"Our industries are both committed to the safe delivery of food to consumers and we are equipped to provide service during this critical time in our country," IFDA President and CEO Mark Allen said in a statement announcing the program. "This partnership makes sense and it is in these times of turmoil that we must step up and fill the gaps when we can to help each other where we can."

The partnership aims to match excess product and capacity caused by the closing of restaurants, schools, and other businesses with retailers' and wholesalers' needs to replenish store shelves more quickly. Food industry experts have said demand for food, water, and cleaning products has exceeded any previous holiday season in recent weeks, according to IFDA and FMI. Consumers have rushed to purchase supplies as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, creating replenishment delays at retailers nationwide.

IFDA and FMI will gather information from their members and match capacity to need geographically, essentially functioning as a clearinghouse for contact information, according to IFDA spokesperson Meghan Cieslak. She emphasizes that the program aims to help fill demand for products, but also will help fill demand for trucks, drivers, warehouse staff, warehouse storage, and similar needs.

"These are unprecedented times with unprecedented needs, but if we can think in terms of partnerships and problem solving, we can get through this together," FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasin said. "We are committed to replenishing supplies, but we know it will take cooperation, patience, and consistency to deliver results."

Logistics Covid-19 Coverage
    • Related Articles

      Trade groups urge Biden to keep port labor talks moving

      Industry groups urge Americans to "thank a trucker"

      Report: Food industry seeks to mitigate supply risks

    Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

    Five container shipping giants call for tighter carbon regulation of their industry

    Amazon to expand AWS Supply Chain platform

    Panama Canal restrictions delay bulk goods vessels more than container ships

    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Report Abusive Comment

    Most Popular Articles

    • Walmart to open fifth “next-gen” fulfillment center in 2026

    • 53% of procurement leaders expect to increase their spending in 2024

    • U.S. faces permanent labor shortage, says University of Tennessee economist

    • Pepsi exec highlights four key structural changes in the supply chain

    • What skills will you need in the Age of AI?

    Featured Video

    Edge2023 innovationtheater here technologies

    CSCMP EDGE 2023 Innovation Theater: Enabling Peak Performance in Last-Mile Delivery Through Private Mapping and Custom Routing - HERE Technologies

    CSCMP EDGE 2023
    At HERE Technologies, we understand the hypercompetitive world of e-commerce, retail, and parcel delivery is increasing in complexity every day. End customers demand ever-increasing delivery performance levels regarding on-time arrivals, flexibility in delivery schedules, pricing and payment options, and more....

    FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

    • Balancing Act: How Freight Brokers Help Shippers Navigate Uncertainty

    • Quarterly Freight Data Report: Q3 2023

    • A Brighter Future: How COVID-19 Continues to Change Freight Procurement Strategies for the Better

    • Five questions to ask before electrifying your indoor forklift fleet

    View More

    Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

    Get Your Subscription
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • E-NEWSLETTERS
    • ADVERTISING
    • CUSTOMER CARE
    • CONTACT
    • ABOUT
    • STAFF
    • PRIVACY POLICY

    Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing