5 minute read
Farm To Fork
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HYDROPONICS, THE FUTURE OF FARMING
What do you need to know about hydroponics? In today’s sustainable agriculture, as much as possible. The soil-free process of growing crops is making its way to the forefront of sustainable farming. With reduced water consumption and waste, no runoff and a smaller environmental footprint, hydroponics is the future of farming.
ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT FOR MANKIND
FarEye is taking steps toward more sustainable delivery operations. Using route planning, FarEye saw a reduction in emissions and optimized fleets for an overall better consumer experience and greener delivery process. “In 2021, customers that used our platform collectively helped reduce carbon footprint by 40,961 tons,” says Suvrat Joshi, chief product officer, FarEye. “We see this number continue to increase as our customers adopt and use these new capabilities across first, mid and last mile in their delivery network.”
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THINKING SUSTAINABLY WITH INTELLIGENT PACKAGING
Waste reduction and increased efficiency is becoming more important as supply chain disruptions continue. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted every year—more than $900 billion in losses. Why? Because supply chain processes remain inefficient. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Intelligent packaging may hold the key to an efficient supply chain. There are many applications that could improve customer satisfaction; increase visibility; improve security and reliability of supply; prevent product diversion, counterfeit and theft; and reduce product wastage.
HOT TAKES ON COLD STORAGE
Food Logistics’ managing editor Brielle Jaekel sat down with Michael Walters, VP, managing director of the Corporate Services Group for NAI James E. Hanson Inc. to discuss cold storage in this L.I.N.K. podcast. As companies begin to find their footing with online orders, a New Normal is taking over the industry. Consumers are looking for fresher items and cold storage companies are stepping up to the task. Scan the QR code to listen now. https://foodl.me/4nfa6k
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INFINITE WAREHOUSES TACKLE SUPPLY CHAIN SHORTAGES
We’ve all seen the empty shelves and supply chain shortages firsthand. Pod Foods wants to change that. The business-to-business wholesale marketplace connects companies with emerging suppliers to access available product from anywhere. “It is harder for brick-and-mortar retailers to compete with e-commerce businesses on assortment because they have limited real estate—they have to optimize physical space instead of online space,” says Larissa Russell, CEO and co-founder of Pod Foods. “Our engine provides both offline and online retailers with targeted access to our ‘infinite warehouse,’ making it possible for them to keep shelves and/or fulfillment centers physically stocked with the most relevant products.”
SMART SENSORS REVEAL THE SUPPLY CHAIN BEHIND THE CURTAIN
The farm-to-fork process used to happen behind the scenes, but today’s consumer is asking for traceability. The solution? Smart IoT-based sensors. From shipment to warehouses, these sensors can be integrated into each step of the supply chain process. Not only does the customer benefit, but companies can also track products, manage efficiency and ensure quality at every step. Marc Pégulu, VP, wireless LoRa and IoT for Semtech, details the full range of smart sensors in the cold food and beverage supply chain space.
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NewCold
BIG IMPROVEMENTS FOR BIG FREEZER WAREHOUSE
Burley, Idaho, is now home to the largest freezer warehouse in North America thanks to NewCold Advanced Cold Logistics. The building was created for McCain Foods, best known across the Northwest for their frozen potatoes and fries. To save on costs and improve efficiency, NewCold turned to automation, collaborating with TGW to implement newly automated processes.
EQUIPMENT FINANCING: THE HOWS AND WHATS
To fight supply disruptions such as labor and product shortages, companies are implementing modern technology and automation. Chuck Sharbrough, SVP, director, food, beverage and agribusiness of Key Equipment Finance, explores the innovative solutions to these issues—from robots to financing equipment. Sharbrough details what companies should look for when choosing to finance equipment, things to consider and the types of equipment available.
Key Equipment Finance
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CPG GROWTH STRATEGIES IN INFLATIONARY ENVIRONMENT
The CPG industry currently faces the strongest headwinds it has seen in 30 years, encountering obstacles like inflation, supply challenges, demand uncertainty and dramatically shifting consumer behaviors. Krishnakumar Davey, president of strategic analytics for IRI, provides five key areas of insight and predictions for the remainder of 2022 that will help brands and retailers compete to win market share and consumer loyalty in today’s ever-changing CPG landscape.
TRAINING VS. TECHNOLOGY
The supply chain’s biggest asset is its employees. That’s why it is imperative to keep your company culture high in morale and employee well-being. Steve Gorr, application manager, virtual reality products, The Raymond Corporation, details how integrating continuous training and education into company culture makes for a safe and happy work environment.
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SCN SUMMIT IS BACK!
SCN Summit is back and better than ever starting the week of June 6! The premier virtual event kicks off with an Executive Outlook on Industry Trends and Technology followed by discussions on Warehouse Automation, Visibility, Risk Management, Sustainability, Transportation and more, all hosted by industry peers and experts. Join us for this can’tmiss week of webinars by registering online at www.SCNsummit.com.
