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As we move into another year of change in the global economy, the food supply chain continues to evolve. Trade dynamics, regulatory shifts, and advancements in logistics are reshaping the landscape of global food movement, emphasizing the importance of data in navigating volatility. Read More, making data even more critical to withstand volatility.
Supply chains are continuously adapting to these changes, and those companies that thrive will be the ones that can predict and respond to change, while having reliable partners to support them.
Lineage, the world’s largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, has been instrumental in helping companies navigate these challenges. In a time of increased volatility, businesses are turning to partners like Lineage who can scale with them, respond swiftly to disruptions, and translate data-driven strategies into tangible results.
Resilience in Action: Overcoming Tariffs
When the U.S. imposed tariffs on beef earlier this year, the repercussions were felt throughout the protein sector. In times of disruption, a global cold chain network can serve as a crucial buffer.
A frozen food manufacturer faced potential supply chain disruptions due to new tariffs on Canadian imports, threatening cross-border shipments. With deadlines looming, Lineage stepped in swiftly to address the issue.
By strategically locating a facility near the border and coordinating warehousing, transportation, and customs clearance, Lineage ensured uninterrupted product flow. Through real-time visibility on the Lineage Link® platform, the customer avoided costly interruptions, turning a potential crisis into a testament to supply chain agility – showcasing the importance of quick reactions and having the right tools and team in place.
Strategic Growth: Scaling Seamlessly
Expanding a food supply chain involves a delicate balance of scaling to meet demand without sacrificing efficiency or quality. When a frozen produce manufacturer found themselves with a harvest exceeding their cold storage capacity, Lineage quickly consolidated their shipments under a unified, integrated cold chain solution.
The result was improved coordination, faster time to market, and enhanced control across distribution points. This partnership transformed a complex expansion into a scalable, replicable growth model, providing shippers the flexibility to adapt during peak seasons while maintaining reliability. By leveraging multiple modes of transport, real-time tracking, and data-driven planning, scalable growth can be achieved without the usual challenges.
Data in Motion: Enhancing Supply Chain Intelligence
As the food industry becomes more intricate, visibility and accuracy are now the key performance indicators of supply chain success. In a time where decision-making based on intuition is no longer sufficient, the ability to harness data for prediction, planning, and confident action is essential.
One major importer facing capacity constraints in the Northeast had to rethink their entire U.S. distribution network for efficient growth. By conducting a thorough Transportation and Facility Network Optimization analysis, Lineage’s Data Science team identified opportunities to expand the customer’s network to improve capacity and reduce transportation costs, ultimately enhancing delivery service levels.
By combining data analytics with operational expertise, Lineage assisted the customer in modeling a more efficient network, potentially saving up to $2 million annually in transportation costs. This project highlights how precise analytics and strategic network planning can transform cold chain decision-making from reactive to proactive.
The Future Ahead
As global supply chains evolve, resilience will rely heavily on data and insights. From navigating trade disruptions to facilitating smart growth and optimizing operations with data, Lineage is empowering the food industry to move efficiently, think strategically, and stay prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.