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Shaping the future: IFPA’s global advocacy strategy and the role of engagement in the EU
During its European leadership summit held in Berlin February 3rd before Fruit Logistica, IFPA shared its global advocacy strategy, its engagement in the EU and the “Supply Chain of The Future” initiative.
Alexis Taylor, IFPA’s chief global policy officer, presented the association’s new global advocacy and policy strategy and its implications for Europe and beyond. Following the presentation, Alexis moderated a dynamic panel of IFPA Europe members to explore what advocacy in the EU looks like today, where it’s headed, and why it matters. The panel counted with Adriëlle Dankier from Nature’s Pride, Jan Doldersum from Rijk Zwaan Distribution, Marc Evrard from BFV.
Strong and single voice of the produce sector still needed
All parties agreed that the fresh produce sector still lacks voice in Europe, both at institutional and consumer levels, despite having a nice story of positive healthy and environmental impact. With consumers a collective effort is needed for a proactive consumer communication strategy. “EU market advantages are sustainability and single market access for 27 countries” reminded Marc Evrard.
Supply chain of the future: full circle integration
Panelists shared experiences on how to build resilient supply chains that drive business value across operations, sustainability, market access and commercial success. Karl McDermott from Deltatrak, Elad Mardix from Clarifresh, Steve Alaerts from Foodcareplus Logistics, Drew Zabrocki and Martha King from Totem showed how they already bring changes today. The “Supply Chain of The Future” iniciative of the IFPA brings today more than 200 peers on 4 working groups: shelf-life prediction, dynamic incentives, start data Escrow and harmonized standards. Two new groups were recently created to accelerate implementation: innovation and technical programs, full-circle integration.
Deltatrak and UBQ Network a good example
“While Deltatrak has worked for decades on the supply-chain, cold chain logistics, during the last 2 years we have seen increased data-sharing and integration that enable solutions like shelf-life prediction” said Karl McDermott. Karl is also the General Manager of UBQ Network powered by DeltaTrak, a good example of collaborative ecosystem between innovative consortium members of the perishable supply chain who setup new and automated solutions like Freshness Index and Carbon Footprint calculation for EU CSRD compliance.
For more information about the UBQ.Network, you can write here.
