London's food and drink supply chains at "increasing risk of service failure"

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 22 April, 2016

A report for the food logistics industry has warned that the way food and drink is delivered to the capital is a ticking time bomb.

The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) previewed its findings at the recent FoodEx 2016 exhibition, where it highlighted an increasing population and strained transport infrastructure as key threats to the logistics industry.

Feeding London 2030 - a study commissioned by UKWA and delivered by Global 78 - highlights key challenges, explores future issues affecting food and beverages industry logistics in and around London, and offers insights into potential strategic solutions.

Peter Ward, UKWA's CEO, was joined on the seminar stage at FoodEx by the author of the report, Global 78's Andrew Morgan, to share key findings and preview some of the research.

"Things are becoming stretched across London's food and drink supply chain and current logistics thinking will not be fit for purpose for much longer," Andrew Morgan warned.

"New trends in the way food and drink are bought and consumed added to the capital's changing population profile and a transport infrastructure that is already creaking, will bring significant challenges to food and drink manufacturers, retailers and the logistics companies tasked with supplying food and drink that is both safe and delivered on time to London's retail and food service sectors. And their ability to do so at an appropriate cost."

"For too long the food and drink industry and their logistics partners have been reactive in their approach to meeting changing consumer demands. This report provides a chance to identify and assess future trends and, as a result, gives stakeholders the chance to 'get on the front foot'."

Peter Ward added: "Everyone in the business of moving food and beverages into and around London is aware of the increasing difficulties. It's important, as the association for the logistics industry that we support members and the wider community in providing valuable intelligence for successful forward planning."

The report will be available from May 15.

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