Data and supply chain: how to lead fresh produce innovation

The Friday morning panels on “Supply Chain Of The Future” delivered actionable toolkits, strategic frameworks, and peer guidance for adopting breakthrough innovations. 4 working groups have been setup, with more than 100 industry leaders voluntarily involved with them: shelf-life prediction, harmonized standards, innovation and technical programs, full-circle integration. Participants could learn executive decision frameworks for risk mitigation and ROI optimization, phased implementation roadmaps with success metrics, and how to join working groups driving industry change.

Huge challenges

Agrofresh CEO Clint Lewis reminded the excessive level of 30% of produce loss globally and that still many operations are manual. Among newest challenges linked to the new market restrictions is to know “where and when to ship our products” according to Mohammed Abbas, COO of DelMonte Fresh. Clint Lewis also highlighted the challenge to have the right key partners for advocacy and government issues, considering the changing regulatory environment. “We saw at the recent events of FruitAttraction and AsiaFruitLogistica that our produce is immense, there is a need for a common language” said Hua Huynh, vice president of supply chain at Driscoll's.

Single AI calculator

“We need to define common goals and act for it, what is better for us: the objective is to get all the data back to the grower” declared Tony Freytag, co-founder and VP of Crunch Pak as a “call for action”. The final objective is to get a single AI calculator for everybody and get return-on-investment for it. “Everybody needs to take off their corporate hat and collaborate, share data, also retailers need to get part of this unique industry initiative” added Tony. “Happy customers and consumers: if you and a company provides a joyful experience, please join the initiative and share your solutions for the future”.

A need to collaborate and share a better future

“Our objective with 2026 is all about value: to deliver real impact through retail engagement and full-circle integration while staying true to our core values. Our global partner ecosystem and next-generation leadership programs don’t just talk about change, they make it happen. We’re building tomorrows solutions today while getting the work done that matters now” concluded Steve Alaerts, director

Foodcareplus Logistics NV in Belgium. Steve is elected board member of the IFPA since 2023 chairs the Supply Chain Council of IFPA.

For more information about the future change-drivers of the “Supply Chain Of The Future” you can write here.