What digital challenges lie ahead? | Food for thought

After news that online sales are set to double and food prices could surge as a result of Brexit, is been a busy week in the press. Supply chain bloggers, Sam Phipps and Jessie Cooper digest the hottest topics from the last 7 days.

Drones to delivery bikes: Are businesses really ready for the digital challenges that lie ahead?

By 2018, the world’s four biggest online markets are anticipated to double in size to a staggering £645bn. From Amazon’s drones to Deliveroo’s army of cyclists, it seems businesses are increasingly turning to creative means to ensure their customers receive the goods they order in a timely manner.

Yet, despite these clever solutions to the final mile challenge, consumers will always be left frustrated if their order is not quite right. Take for instance buying groceries online: how many product substitutions are acceptable? The answer is probably not many!

With this in mind, businesses must take steps to ensure that products are not only available as and when customers require them but also that they are available in the right location. What elements of their supply chain operation should businesses prioritise to ensure they are well prepared for the digital challenges that lie ahead?

Article 50 leaves food for thought

As Theresa May triggered Article 50, businesses across the food industry were suddenly exposed to a huge amount of uncertainty. In a post-Brexit world, it seems rising food prices are inevitable: something which will only leave consumers disappointed and angry. But can the food industry do anything now to maintain customer satisfaction while still protecting margins in the future?

In order to safeguard their operations against potential price increases, it’s vital that food businesses take action to optimise their supply chain. Through taking steps to reduce waste and align the supply chain to the “true” demands of the customers, food businesses can eradicate unnecessary costs and focus on adding value.

Waste is not a new challenge for the food industry, but with the uncertainty of Brexit, should the industry be doing more to combat this issue?