Distributors of foodservice goods join the retail supply chain
The International Foodservice Distributors Association and the Food Industry Association, formerly known as the Food Marketing Institute, have partnered to develop a “matching program” that will link foodservice distributors with excess capacity to retailers and wholesalers who require additional resources to meet demand.
Leslie Sarasin, president and chief executive officer of FMI, stated, “We can get through this together if we can think in terms of partnerships and problem solving. These are unprecedented times with unprecedented needs.” “We are dedicated to restocking supplies, but we understand that achieving results will require collaboration, endurance, and consistency.”
The foodservice supply chain has suffered as a result of municipal and state authorities’ forced closures of eateries and educational institutions. The goal of the new initiative is to give foodservice distributors financial sustainability while reducing the strain on the retail supply chain.
According to Rick Stein, vice president of industry relations and fresh foods, the concept originated from a phone conversation that took place on March 15 between representatives of the food and beverage industry, the Trump administration, and its coronavirus task group.
“On the call, the president of a major foodservice company stated that they will have a significant amount of excess capacity due to the closure of restaurants, schools, and cruise ships,” Mr. Stein stated. Leslie Sarasin became convinced that foodservice wholesalers has the necessary skills to assist numerous retail stores facing closure. She came to see that FMI could help match supply and demand.
Regarding the establishment of a program to link suppliers and customers, the FMI contacted the IDFA.
Mr. Stein stated, “This isn’t just about product.” Distributors of foodservice equipment include warehouses, drivers, trucks, and cleaning and industrial supplies.
As of March 20, the project entails having FMI members manually fill out a form with the information they seek. After reviewing it, FMI sends it to the IDFA, which replies with a list of vendors who could be able to assist in the areas asked. According to Mr. Stein, FMI plans to have an automated form available by Monday, March 23 on the organization’s website, www.fmi.org.
The president and CEO of the IDFA, Mark Allen, stated, “Our industries are both committed to the safe delivery of food to consumers and we are equipped to provide service during this critical time in our country.” “This partnership makes sense, and we must step up to fill the gaps when we can to support each other in these trying times.”
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Two other trade associations, United Produce and the National Fisheries Institute, have joined the initiative since its inception. According to Mr. Stein, the FMI is willing to collaborate with other trade associations.
He remarked, “A rising tide floats all boats.” “We will have done a great job for the industry if we can connect supply with need.”
He continued by saying that the FMI observes priorities changing over time.
“This is changing every hour,” Mr. Stein remarked. “Earlier in the week, we had a different idea about what was important. Product requests predominated at first, but now days, workers and services are in demand. Our members require pick-and-select personnel, storage facilities, and drivers.