Between geopolitical instability, shifting consumer preferences, and environmental pressures, food chains are being tested like never before. The resilience, agility, and sustainability of these systems are critical not only to business performance but to global food security. What I am hearing from many food chain executives is that companies that prioritize end-to-end visibility, invest in people and technology, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning will be best positioned to meet these challenges head-on.
Check out this conference recap article “Food Shippers Conference Highlights Key Focus Areas: Technology, Theft, Tariffs.” In particular, here are key takeaways on supply chain challenges, solutions, and emerging trends that were covered at the conference:
Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Disruptions Are Of Significant Concern. Geopolitical conflicts, such as ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe and the South China Sea, have created unpredictable trade environments.
In particular, continued instability in Ukraine disrupts global grain markets, particularly wheat, corn and sunflower oil. Ukraine also is a major exporter of grains and fertilizers, so the conflict has constrained exports and has driven up global food commodity prices.
Of course, the more recent tariffs driven by the Trump administration has caused additional supply chain disruption.
Labor Shortages and Talent Gaps. The supply chain workforce crisis persists, with skilled labor in transportation, logistics and warehousing in short supply. Many food companies are investing in workforce development programs and automation, but attracting and retaining talent—especially with the rise of digital supply chains—remains a major challenge.
As one executive from a major food distributor I spoke with noted, “Technology can optimize routes, but it can’t replace the institutional knowledge of planners and seasoned drivers.”
Technological Integration and Data Silos. Despite a wave of digital transformation, many food chains still struggle with fragmented systems and poor data visibility. Integrating new
technologies such as AI-driven demand forecasting, blockchain for traceability, and IoT sensors for cold chain monitoring requires not just investment but organizational alignment. The challenge is not just adopting tools, but fully integrating them into operations.
Check out "Tech Driven Strategies That Manage Change" that highlights innovative food shippers such as Rise Baking Company, Schwan’s Company, Sunsweet Growers are doing to leverage technology to power and drive efficiencies in their supply chain operations.
Seek Out Efficiencies from Your Partners. Food shippers are leaning heavily on their logistics partners to maintain a productive, resilient, safe food chain. One example I’ve recently heard about is how shippers are driving down freight costs through one of the nation’s largest for-hire multi-temp fleets, Coastal Carriers Truck Lines. By combining frozen and refrigerated goods in a single trailer—with independent temperature zones—food shippers are able to gain efficiency without compromising product integrity. Strategic consolidation and full trailer utilization reduce LTL exposure and lower per-case costs.
Rising Costs and Inflationary Pressures. While global inflation has eased compared to 2022–2023 peaks, cost volatility—especially in transportation, energy and packaging— remains a significant challenge. The need to balance cost control with long-term investment in resilience has become a critical strategic tension.
Passing costs on to customers is increasingly risky in a competitive marketplace.
While these are some of the biggest challenges for food shippers, there are many more. So buckle up – and continue to leverage your FSA membership, resources and network to navigate, adapt, and remain resilient.
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