The Road to Market

UK chilled food distribution is one of the most efficient in the world. This is due to the UK being compact, densely populated and possessing a good road network. And because its food production is organised with this in mind. Chilled foods can be on the shelf within 24 hours of production, ensuring they are delivered in good condition, a key to food safety.                                                                                                       

In most cases, the distribution of chilled foods is subcontracted to third party logistics/transport specialists. The main objective is to ensure that space on delivery vehicles is fully utilised to achieve the most cost-effective deliveries. Manufacturers will often share vehicles with competitors to optimise use of space and reduce the number of journeys. Hauliers choose their routes very carefully and will also ‘back haul’ (i.e. once unloaded at a depot they pick up another load ‘en route’ back to the next pick up).

It is not by chance that warehouses and manufacturing sites are often near to well known growing areas, saving on the cost of transport from farm to manufacturing site. Similarly retailer depots are strategically placed around the country. Every aspect of production, including packaging design (e.g. using rectangular trays which take up less space/air than oval shapes) and pallet loading, is taken into consideration in order to maximise efficiency.

Sometimes it is necessary to transport raw materials over longer distances because of seasonality. While the environmental impact of longer-distance transportation may seem higher other environmental impacts and costs (i.e. using free non-polluting sunshine in more southern climes instead of fossil fuels required to assist growing in the UK) are significantly reduced.

The impact of distribution and transport on the environment has been considered in a DEFRA report (produced by AEA Technology Environment). Recognising the complexities of the food distribution system, the report concluded that although higher levels of vehicle activity lead to higher environmental impacts it is not just distance that is important but mode, timing, location and efficiency that are also key. The report also concluded that local sourcing does not automatically reduce environmental and social costs, e.g. replacing single trips of large Heavy Goods Vehicles from distribution centres to supermarkets by multiple van deliveries from farmers to shops might possibly worsen congestion of inner-city roads.