In recent years, the e-commerce food and beverage (F&B) industry has undergone significant changes, driven largely by shifting consumer demands. Consumers are increasingly focused on transparency from e-commerce retailers, especially when it comes to products requiring temperature-controlled storage through the supply chain.
From the deployment of automation and robotics in warehouses to innovative ways to manage energy, ideas once confined to brainstorming sessions and office whiteboards are now receiving significant investment and being implemented in the supply chain.
So, what innovations and trends are poised to have the greatest impact on our industry in the next three to five years?
The cold chain is already greatly benefiting from data analytics, artificial intelligence, and deep learning, which can quickly and accurately collect data from multiple sources and convert it into actionable knowledge. Utilizing applications from the IoT revolution provides a complete view of operations and the extended logistics chain, enabling more precise control over the environment.
For example, if your entire supply chain has a digital twin, you can ensure and maintain an unmatched level of temperature control and efficiency in the industry. By analyzing shipment conditions during the transportation of perishable commodities, the best logistics companies for ecommerce can ensure optimal conditions are maintained throughout the journey.
The market continues to demand faster velocity, better service, and greater efficiency. Leading supply chain providers must deploy systems that provide clients with product visibility and control in near real time.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In the supply chain industry, maintaining precise delivery windows with ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and trucking partners is essential. Ensuring that a customer’s product remains in the same condition it was received is paramount.
Old freight forwarders who have not evolved and still prefer doing things the old way will have to step aside. New players who understand the technology that brings speed and visibility will help develop SLA windows and the ability to serve customers faster and better, especially through advanced shipping platforms for ecommerce.
Regional players like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Union Co-operative have embraced the e-commerce trend, establishing their own delivery channels, especially in the grocery store and convenience store categories. This shift in consumer preference has created a ripple effect in the retail supply chain.
For 3PLs, many are now required to deliver within hours instead of days or weeks. This has led to a rise in retail standards around velocity and on-time movement of goods, particularly perishables where time is critical. 3PLs are also adapting their service offerings, whether repacking larger cartons into smaller packages, offering promotional labeling, or integrating advanced shipping software for ecommerce.
As for warehouse and fulfillment design, the proliferation in food and beverage for fresh food, gluten-free, and farm-to-table preferences impacts warehouse operations. As the number of SKUs increases, it affects the profile of orders and increases the number of lines. Greater precision is required in how warehouse capacity is used to manage an expanding product line.
These fulfillment needs translate into new requirements for technology in terms of visibility and traceability to handle the complexities. Advanced ecommerce global solutions are necessary to manage these evolving demands efficiently.
Qafila, a leading e-commerce solutions provider, specializes in providing logistics solutions that cater to the specific needs of online businesses. Our expertise in ecommerce shipping and fulfillment ensures timely and secure delivery of your products. Explore how Qafila can streamline your ecommerce global solutions and elevate your business.
OTIF Retail Compliance and Its Impact on UAE Market Introduction Stanley, a brand founded in 1913, was long known for its rugged and durable vacuum-insulated bottles, primarily used by outdoor enthusiasts and blue-collar workers. For over a century, its supply chain operated on a stable demand model, with predictable production cycles and limited fluctuations. However, […]
How to Ship Clothes Internationally: A Comprehensive Guide for E-Commerce Businesses Introduction With globalization, the world is more connected than ever, and goods of all types are transported across borders daily. However, logistics activities are complex and involve more than just transportation. This guide will delve into the logistics charges at the time of import, […]
How Digitization and E-Commerce Are Reshaping Freight Forwarding Introduction The e-commerce landscape in the UAE and the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) region is evolving rapidly, presenting immense opportunities for businesses. With a dynamic market, strategic location, and supportive government policies, these regions are becoming hotspots for e-commerce growth. Here’s why you […]
How 3PL Can Help Overcome E-Commerce Challenges Introduction In recent years, the e-commerce food and beverage (F&B) industry has undergone significant changes, driven largely by shifting consumer demands. Consumers are increasingly focused on transparency from e-commerce retailers, especially when it comes to products requiring temperature-controlled storage through the supply chain. From the deployment of automation […]
Ramadan Report – A Logistics Manager’s Guide for E-Commerce Introduction The holy month of Ramadan, like any other seasonal activity, creates a surge in demand for various consumer products. Overseeing logistics during Ramadan can be a massive challenge, especially in high-demand industries like e-commerce. Supply chains across the world scramble to keep up with this […]
Fastest Growing E-Commerce Hub of The Middle East Introduction Things are no longer the way they were several years ago. The evolution of the world system and time has also impacted the way products are traded, giving rise to the booming e-commerce industry. The e-commerce industry is growing at a fast pace as everyone seeks […]
© 2023 Qafila. All rights reserved.