The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has launched a Transport Support Platform to match unused temperature-controlled vehicles with food manufacturers looking to launch food delivery services or simply get product to retailers.
The move is primarily designed to support hard-pressed food producers who supply the Out of Home (foodservice) market and have seen customers disappear overnight due to the closure of restaurants, bars and other gathering places during the coronavirus health crisis. An increasing number of frozen food manufacturers are now looking to supply food direct to consumers.
At the same time, many small fleet operators, such as couriers and smaller delivered wholesale businesses have vehicles sitting idle, as they too have seen a drop in orders.
“In these difficult times we are seeing some parts of the industry having to take vehicles off the road as they see a reduction in demand for products. Whilst other parts of the industry have seen greater demand for wheels to keep the food chain moving, said Richard Harrow, chief executive of the BFFF.
He added: “This is a move that should help get more food moving through the system and help haulage and courier companies make use of vehicles that are standing idle in their yards. So, if you have idle vehicles, please support this initiative so we can try and fill gaps in demand in the supply chain.”
Companies can sign-up on the BFFF website at: http://bfff.co.uk/the-transport-support-platform/.
The Platform follows on the heels of last week’s BFFF launch of a ‘dating’ service to match foodservice food manufacturers with grocery retailers who are experiencing a huge surge in demand. So far almost 100 companies have signed up.
