#DitchTheDesk: What is Food Logistics?

Do you dream of breaking free from the ordinary and embracing a wilder side?

Be part of the #DitchTheDesk movement and enter into the world of agri-food!

Does the challenge of being at the helm of a transport fleet and communicating with people throughout the agri-food industry sound up your street? Perhaps a career in logistics is for you!

What is Food Logistics?

The pandemic highlighted the importance of a sound logistics pathway. With a career in the sector, you could be the one to make a difference.

Logistics managers are the brains behind the supermarket shelves, an integral part of the food supply chain- they oversee the translocation of goods and services to meet, and keep ahead of, consumer demand.

A role within food logistics hinges upon organisational efficiency, ensuring that produce is delivered on time whilst keeping costs low. Logistics managers must know the farm-to-fork process inside and out to coordinate with all the other parties involved and continue the flow of goods.

The Importance

• Visibility: Promoting clarity in a supply chain is vital, it allows for the swift identification of issues and a fast response.
• Costs/ Profitability: Keeping costs low allows for greater reinvestment into the company, and more cost-efficient goods for the consumer. This is particularly important in the cost of living crisis.
• Efficiency: For the business to thrive in such a competitive sector, resources must be allocated in a way that produces high yields (and/or other business goals).
• Risk management: Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail; having the correct systems in place to mitigate these issues is paramount.
• Sustainability- Reducing emissions and waste to protect our environment.

The Skills Required

• Time management: Successful logistics management relies on keeping to time.
• Negotiation: Having an ability to source a better deal may give your company that competitive edge.
• Communication: It takes concise verbal skills to guide a workforce of any size.
• Problem-solving: Being able to offer solutions when things don’t quite go to plan.
• Commercial awareness: Drawing on prior knowledge to stay ahead of other market players.
• Prior experience within this field- including but not limited to retail, warehouse and storage.