The impact of logistics on retailing and physical distribution in food industry

Market globalization and food trade growth have been posing ever more complex problems for producers. The aim is to deliver as much food possible in the shortest possible period, and by doing so, satisfy demanding consumers. On the other hand, distribution processes that include packing, storing, transport, manipulative operations, and other services, are often the weakest link in the supply chain. A quality system of food distribution requires the application of certain standards and procedures in the complete logistics chain. A fresh food appearance increases sales, and buyers often identify the quality of the product with the quality of the retail store. Therefore, the quality and the health safety of products have to be the aims shared by every part of the food chain, from producers, to distributors, to retailers that deliver the products to the end consumer. Producers have become aware that they cannot be certain that the safety and quality products will reach their buyers without an efficient storage and transport control system. In this study we deal with new technologies in the field of logistics and market trends that have effect on the specificity of food delivery, its quality and safety.