The federal government and many private businesses have learned some valuable lessons over the past several years. To keep up with the changing times and better respond to potential disruptions, organizations are making investments in modernization in addition to boosting initiatives for the future.

Sitting in a warehouse, consumable goods with expiration dates can go wrong, cause unnecessary waste, and cost retailers untold values in lost profits. Consumable inventory tracking helps prevent these issues, avoid the challenges when items are out-of-stock, and help with first-in, first-out fulfillment. The right inventory management strategies help you keep track of just how much inventory you have, analyze when you will need replenishment, and manage upcoming expiration dates. Here’s what you need to know.

Barcodes are important in shipping, tracking, inventorying, managing, and purchasing food products—especially when you want to distribute and sell products in a retail setting. But coming up with a barcode for a new food product has a few requirements. The process is fairly simple, but here’s what you need to know before you get started.

Another new year is almost upon us, meaning food and beverage distributors will be taking a look at their results and the trends that will influence the industry in the coming year. For businesses to operate as effectively as possible, it’s important to take a close look at the conditions shaping the industry, including the various challenges. Here are some of the challenges still facing this industry and three technology trends food distributors are likely to embrace in 2023.

Environmental protection and sustainability have been hot-button issues for some time. Driven largely by consumers who want healthier options that don’t cause damage to the planet, sustainability is having a significant impact on the global food supply chain.

Ask anyone in the restaurant industry right now, and they will probably tell you that supply chain issues, along with increased food costs, are their most pressing challenges. Everything, from fryer oil to meat and vegetables to dish soap and freezer parts, is in short supply. And, when a restaurant can get its hands on the items it needs, they find themselves paying much higher prices. 

The U.S. restaurant industry has been regaining momentum after extended periods of shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Diners are enthusiastically returning to take advantage of new and favorite options for in-house dining. However, supply chain issues continue to disrupt the restaurant industry.

The global food supply chain is facing significant challenges. From widespread staffing shortfalls, the war in Ukraine causing increased energy prices and grain scarcity, and rising levels of food waste, there’s a growing concern about food price inflation and potential shortages.

You aren't wrong if you've noticed that food prices are skyrocketing along with everything else. Because global supply chains tend to be interconnected, when one price goes up, others tend to follow. Back when traveling and shipping something was simple, price hikes weren't a concern. Of course, things have changed.

Some of the biggest challenges facing the food supply concern things like visibility, traceability, and skyrocketing costs. These are happening at the same time consumer shopping behaviors and preferences are shifting, putting additional pressure on food growers, manufacturers, logistics companies, and sellers.