Exclusive report preview at Foodex
Not to be missed at Foodex is the exclusive preview of ‘Feeding London in 2030’ - a study commissioned by UKWA (the United Kingdom Warehousing Association) to explore future issues affecting food industry logistics in London. You’ll be able to hear exclusive highlights from the landmark study, including the critical role of the logistics sector for food manufacturing, food service wholesale and food retail. We caught up with UKWA CEO, Peter Ward to find out more ahead of the show. Here’s what he had to say:
The Feeding London in 2030 report has insights into future trends, can you share any of these with us?
The report looks in detail at future trends within all aspects of the industry - from food production, B2B - distribution to wholesalers, retailers, caterers, to B2C - distribution to the end consumer. In particular, it looks at the emergence of a 'new consumer' who expects to access food whenever they wish and wherever they are, at home or at work, dining out or snacking 'on the go'. It considers as well the proliferation of new cuisines, new food outlet formats and new eating habits, the rising trend of online ordering and increased expectations of 'final mile' delivery.
What are some of the most pressing warehousing and logistical challenges facing the industry?
One of the most pressing challenges, as outlined in the research we commissioned from Savills earlier this year, is the desperate shortage of suitable commercial property for warehousing and distribution, exacerbated by the lack of available land for commercial development. In addition, road congestion is undermining smooth flow of goods into the city; retailers, restaurants, hotels - not to mention hospitals, prisons, schools - all demand reliable delivery, but congestion mitigates against that. Adding to the problem is that shopping habits are changing, consumers are using convenience stores and shopping several times a week, rather than heading to out of town superstores to stock up at the weekends. This means more frequent deliveries are required and multiple vehicles heading into the city to converge on stores where there is no dedicated delivery areas and parking is pretty much impossible. The combination of a growing population to feed, an infrastructure not fit for purpose and the emerging new consumer trends outlined above all makes for a tinder box situation where food supply chains into London are at increasing risk of service failure, unless there is fresh thinking and radical change.
What kind of organisations could benefit from reading the report and attending the preview at Foodex?
As I mentioned, this report looks at the challenges, trends and likely impacts for every stakeholder in the food supply chain, which is why we have chosen Foodex to preview the report. Whether logistics operators (3PL and own account), Food and Drink businesses, Food and Drink producers or suppliers, all parties can benefit from the insights this report offers. By highlighting key issues and providing an understanding of future requirements, the Feeding London 2030 report is intended to help organisations shape an effective response, consider future solutions and successfully plan ahead.
More insights to come at Foodex
Hear more from Peter Ward on the Feeding London in 2030 report at 12.15 on Monday 18th April or 10.00 on Wednesday 20th April at Foodex.
