Association says its paper ”catalyses unprecedented collaboration” to transform fresh produce supply chains
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has released its white paper, ’Supply Chain of the Future: From Vision to Action’, providing a roadmap for ”unprecedented pre-commercial collaboration” to tackle systemic challenges in the fresh produce supply chain.
Recognising that “data doesn’t move food, collaboration does,” as stated by Steve Alaerts, chair of the IFPA Supply Chain Council, the association says it is fostering an ”environment of open dialogue and shared problem-solving”.
The white paper outlines how the initiative is breaking down barriers and building trust through collaborative efforts.
These efforts are focused on harmonised standards, smart data escrow, shelf-life predictability and dynamic incentives.
IFPA has convened industry leaders in a series of global ’collabathons’, bringing together diverse perspectives to map out challenges and co-create solutions.
These sessions, and their outcomes, are detailed in the white paper and underscore the need for greater transparency and trust across the supply chain, enhanced communication, and a shift towards a more equitable system where all stakeholders, from growers to retailers, benefit from improved collaboration.
The white paper also outlines the initiative’s roadmap for collaborative action, including establishing working groups and steering committees to drive consensus and develop shared solutions in spring this year; executing pilot programmes and validating collaborative solutions in the summer; and showcasing successful collaborations and setting the stage for industry-wide adoption at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.
”IFPA invites all stakeholders in the fresh produce industry to download the White Paper and join this collaborative movement,” the association stated.
