In making packaging decisions for the cold chain, companies need solutions that will help them achieve efficiencies in handling across systems while ensuring their product is moved quickly and without damage. Reusable plastic packaging solutions can help ensure cold goods make it to the refrigerator or freezer safely, while delivering the seamless handling experience the cold chain requires.

Supply chains across all industries are undergoing technological transformation to become more efficient, increase visibility, and improve transactions between trading partners and consumers. Product shortages and delays across multiple product categories during the COVID-19 pandemic made headlines, highlighting the impact of supply chains on people’s lives.

US Foods has launched its Fall Scoop catalog of new products, the company’s 10th annual edition of Scoop. Themed, “Next-Gen Ideas for Next- Gen Diners,” Fall Scoop features 23 products that cater to the next generation of diners, Gen Z and Millennials.

Fans of Shark Tank may recognize Kelsey Moreira from her 2019 appearance on the show to gain backing for her edible cookie dough company, Doughp. Even though she didn’t get a deal, Doughp is doing just fine without it. The brand’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) model has been a hit with consumers.

The facilities that produce, package, store, and distribute cold foods were truly essential in helping the supply chain satisfy record demand for those products during 2020, while the paradigm shift created by pandemic shopping habits—particularly e-commerce—is still being felt today. As a result, many design-build firms are busier than ever, as the need for cold storage space, plant expansions, facility renovations, fulfillment centers and distribution hubs has only increased.

Containerized cargo volumes at the Port of Mobile continue to climb in 2021 as shippers seek uncongested gateways servicing key North American markets, according to those at the Port. In August, container volume through the Port increased 34% over August 2020 volume, while year-to-date volume posted 27% over the same period last year. Part of that success is tied to a 37% increase in refrigerated containers due to nearly $74 million in refrigerated facilities investment at the Port to support cold cargo supply chains. 

Port of Oakland beef exports—almost exclusively to Asia—increased 25% this year between January and July. Those at the Port called the surge extraordinary in a year when shipping disruptions have hobbled global supply chains. Oakland exported the equivalent of 25,200 20-foot containers of beef through July. The number for the same period last year was 20,100. Oakland estimated the total value of beef exports at $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2021.

US Foods has earned our Foodservice Distributor of the Year Award not by going about its business as usual during perhaps the most un-usual time for foodservice in decades, but by transforming itself into a multi-faceted solutions source for its 300,000 clients to access anytime. The company’s longtime tagline is “We Help You Make It”, and that took on a whole new meaning in 2020.

At this time last year, we at Refrigerated & Frozen Foods decided to put our annual Foodservice Distributor of the Year Award on hold. The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated unprecedented shutdowns in foodservice—restaurants, hotels, schools, caterers, stadiums, and other volume venues—leaving behind thousands of shuttered businesses. To put it lightly, there was very little to celebrate in foodservice last year.

WHOLLY GUACAMOLE, America's No. 1 refrigerated guacamole made with real ingredients and hand-scooped Hass avocados, are launching a limited-time "Don't Hit Guac Bottom" subscription box just in time for National Guacamole Day (September 16). Designed to equip guacamole fans and enthusiasts in the U.S. with ample supply, the six-month "Don't Hit Guac Bottom" box will feature a combination of different flavor varieties of ready-to-eat WHOLLY GUACAMOLE products per month.