Five ways to make the fresh produce supply chain more sustainable 

In an era of climate change and increasing eco-consciousness, how we get our produce is just as important as sourcing ethical produce itself.

Wholesale distributors are key to that process, getting fresh produce from farms around the world to our plates. And since they manage the logistics from point A to point B, they also play a critical role in making the process as environmentally friendly as possible. 

There are a number of ways wholesale distributors can make the fresh produce supply chain more sustainable, so let’s take a look. 

Forecasting – The actual work of being more eco-conscious starts well before an order comes in. Using software tools and data analytics, wholesale distributors can develop highly accurate predictive models to forecast supply and demand. By leveraging in-house and industry data, they can optimize purchasing and source the right products, at the right amount, at the right time—so time, resources, and emissions aren’t wasted transporting inventory they don’t need. 

Route Optimization & Consolidated Shipments – Once wholesale distributors know what they need, they can look at how to best source and obtain those products by working first with local or regional growers to minimize the distance traveled and eliminate deadhead miles. By mapping the most effective route to get different products from different sources while maximizing load weight, wholesale distributors can create better freight efficiency and limit the emissions produced. In addition, they can also reduce the number of trips needed by coordinating bulk deliveries. 

Packaging – Once fresh produce is in the warehouse, wholesale distributors can choose sustainable packaging options to get the product ready for end customers—whether a foodservice group or a grocery store shelf. This includes not only recycled materials such as repurposed cardboard trays but limiting plastics and finding more eco-friendly options such as compostable films, paper-based packaging, and plant-based mesh netting, or completely biodegradable bags and nets made from cellulose. Aside from the actual packaging for fresh produce, wholesale distributors can also collaborate with retailers and farmers to use returnable crates, pallets, or containers.

Operations – In addition to how they manage the actual produce, wholesale distributors can also find ways to make their operations more environmentally friendly. This may include EV solutions, such as EV trucks and yard switchers or other electric handling equipment, or other solutions such as propane-fueled forklifts. Companies can also use solar panels for electricity, install ENERGY STAR-rated systems and LED lighting in cold storage, or implement tools to help with water conservation including meters to identify leaks and overuse, and high-pressure, low-volume sprayers and recirculated water systems for cleaning produce and equipment.

Donations – Finally, wholesale distributors are in a great position to minimize food waste. By partnering with local food banks and nonprofits, they can ensure any produce unfit for selling can instead support their communities by working fast to maximize freshness. This makes produce available on a greater scale, particularly for those unable to afford it or don’t have access to such commodities. For produce items past their expiration date or unsuitable for human consumption, these items can be sent to local farms for animal feed or composted. Having these partnerships in place helps give leftover product a second life and promotes zero waste. And once the product is gone, the plastic or corrugated material it arrived in can be recycled as well. 

Fresh produce isn’t just about eating better, it’s also about living and working better and doing what we can to support a healthy environment. Everyone from growers to consumers plays a role in supporting sustainability across the supply chain, but as one of the biggest players in this process, wholesale distributors can lead the charge.