The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has inaugurated a transport support platform to help food producers launch food delivery services.
The new platform matches unused temperature-controlled vehicles with food manufacturers looking to launch food delivery services or simply get product to retailers.
Due to the current coronavirus outbreak, parts of the industry are having to take vehicles off the road due to reduced demand, whereas other parts are struggling to meet increased demand.
As a result, food producers who supply the out of home market have shifted their focus to supplying food directly to consumers.
Whilst the new platform is primarily designed to support these food producers, it also aims to help small fleet operators, such as couriers and smaller delivered wholesale businesses, which have experienced a fall in orders.
Companies can sign-up to the platform via BFFF’s website.
The announcement follows on from BFFF’s recent launch of a ‘dating’ service to match foodservice food manufacturers with grocery retailers who are experiencing a huge surge in demand. At present, almost 100 companies have signed-up to the programme.
Richard Harrow, CEO of the BFFF, said: “In these difficult times we are seeing some parts of the industry having to take vehicles off the road as they see a reduction in demand for products. Whilst other parts of the industry have seen greater demand for wheels to keep the food chain moving.
“This is a move that should help get more food moving through the system and help haulage and courier companies make use of vehicles that are standing idle in their yards. So, if you have idle vehicles, please support this initiative so we can try and fill gaps in demand in the supply chain.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024