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. 

It’s not unreasonable for consumers to expect fresh, safe, and delicious food on their tables at mealtime. But the job of getting food to the right places at the right time has become increasingly challenging. 

One thing that the COVID-19 pandemic truly brought home is that smooth, efficient communication between parties is one of the most crucial aspects of successful food supply chain operations.

Effective communication helps companies to respond quickly to counter each disruption while anticipating future challenges. One of the best ways to do that is by using technology.

More consumers are thinking about how the delicious food they consume arrives on their dinner plates. There are a lot of steps involved, and some of them can be unappetizing or even unsafe. 

And the businesses that bring food to consumers have a lot to consider as well. Every farmer, processor, and seller is responsible for some form of food management. Organizing delivery, arranging suppliers, and figuring out food costs are all part of the supply chain process.

Having safe food on grocery shelves and readily available in restaurants is a luxury taken for granted in most parts of the world. But this is only possible thanks to complex food supply chains that are capable of safely and quickly growing, processing, storing, and transporting food products.

The global supply chain has struggled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether your business needs computer chips or potato chips, there has been a series of bottlenecks at various points along the supply chain that continue to persist.