PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
How will foodservice fulfillment evolve to meet the needs of people in the future?
Ready or not, our world is transforming dramatically
Supply chain disruptions, an increase in government regulations, unpredictable weather patterns, and customers’ growing demands for flexibility and convenience are a combination of forces weighing on the foodservice industry. Distribution and foodservice fulfillment in cities will be more space-constrained yet with exponentially increased demand. Knowing that the next wave of innovation is inevitable and already happening, what will foodservice fulfillment look like and how can we start preparing for it?
We envisioned five future cities, and the strains they will face
Increase in Government Regulations
Future cities will face increased environmental regulations and pressure from citizens demanding sustainable goods and practices. Local foodservice, renewable energy and sustainable practices, circular economies, and increased green legislation will be the ways that distributors will adapt to meet this need.
What if, in the future, restaurants are required to be zero waste?
Unpredictable Weather Patterns
Future cities will face limited access to resources with increasing threats of natural disasters and rapid environmental changes. Diversified foodservice sources, nimble logistics, decentralized distribution, and regulated delivery zones will be some of the ways cities protect themselves against a more volatile environment.
Could you imagine not having access to staple ingredients?
What if you had to consolidate all online orders into one delivery a week?
Space Constraints in Urban Centers
Dense cities will have to solve for issues caused by overpopulation, limited space, and strained supply for critical resources. Alternative foodservice sources, urban consolidation centers, micro-fulfillment, and mandated delivery times will become more commonplace.
The opportunities and pressures that cities experience will become major drivers of innovation across all industries, but especially foodservice.
Fulfillment is beginning to look vastly different from how it has in the past: cities are seeing a more distributed, networked, connected and data driven supply chain. At Relish Works, we want to be a part of the conversation around helping the foodservice industry benefit from the opportunities of a more connected, flexible world—as well as helping them overcome the challenges presented by these growing and inevitable macrotrends.
