By any measure, 2020 has been a historically difficult year for foodservice distributors. COVID-19 wiped out business for foundational customers like restaurants, hotels, caterers, stadiums, schools and other volume foodservice clients starting in March, and even today, as states attempt to re-open amid the uncertainty of where the pandemic is heading, an argument could be made that foodservice distributors have had to continuously pivot more than any other cold chain segment to stay afloat.

Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa details how 2019's idea of cold chain disruption pales in comparison to COVID-19's seismic impact on the industry in 2020.  

As states prepare to reopen across the country, the Consumer Brands Association called on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to prioritize supply chain performance and resiliency by developing a National Supply Chain Index and Performance Dashboard.

This week on our From the Cold Corner podcast, we sit down with Tom Swovick, market development manager for proteins at Dematic, to discuss the future of cold storage and logistics through the lens of automation and AGVs, as well as what solutions might be out there to help ease the strain on the cold foods chain from COVID-19 disruptions. Swovick also details Dematic’s virtual tradeshow plans while industry conventions are shut down--a business pivot becoming more common to connect with clients as shelter-in-place continues. 

This week on our From the Cold Corner podcast, I interviewed Lowell Randel, VP of government and legal affairs at the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) for the very latest developments regarding COVID-19's impact on the cold food supply chain.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an historic impact on business across multiple industries in a very short time, including the cold food and beverage supply chain. We spoke with Lowell Randel, VP, government and legal affairs at the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) for a snapshot of how the cold chain is adjusting to the new norm, and also to dispel certain myths surrounding the country’s food supply and ability to replenish inventory.

Siemens details how blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize food supply chains, by enabling proactive approaches to food safety and offering unparalleled transparency.
 

Find out what the supply chain and logistics industry can expect with regards to regulations with food, transport, equipment and more come 2020.