Around the 4th of July, demand for a variety of products sees a boom. From party supplies to food and beverages, it is vital that companies are able to have their inventory get to the right place at the right time. Food logistics create some added challenges when it comes to getting products to consumers.
Americans are spending oodles of money on food and beverage items every 4th of July. There is an increased demand for perishable items like meats, dairy products, and fresh produce. Logistics providers have the responsibility of ensuring these items are stored, transported, and delivered in a way that maintains their quality and safety.
Dry food doesn’t require too much outside of regulating temperature and humidity, and keeping track of the expiration dates. A warehouse that can stay within an appropriate temperature range with adequate ventilation will be able to help maximize a dry good’s shelf life.
You can ship dry food in a standard cardboard box, but consult your shipping carrier to ensure compliance with rules and shipping times.
Perishable food (meats, dairy, and produce… all the good 4th of July foods) are a bit trickier and require effective cold chain management. You still need to manage temperature and humidity, but you need to monitor the expiration dates much closer. Use the first-in-first-out method to ensure that stock turns over quickly before it expires.
Packing perishable foods properly is vital for success. Seal and pack refrigerated foods with ice packs for the best results. Carriers often recommend double wrapping items and using insulated cardboard boxes, clearly labeled to indicate that the contents are perishable and need refrigeration. Frozen foods must be packed with dry ice. Employees should handle dry ice carefully to avoid burns. They should also attach a label on the packaging so customers also avoid injuries.
Logistics providers play a crucial role in ensuring that both dry and perishable foods reach consumers year-round, especially over the 4th of July holiday, all while maintaining the highest quality standards for these goods. These providers are making sure your hot dogs, popsicles, and watermelon are arriving for your summer barbecue in peak form.
Interested in food logistics? Learn more about guidelines for dry food, perishable food, and more.