Members of the Cool Chain Association (CCA) will pilot a data sharing initiative to monitor perishable shipments to improve supply chain management and reduce food loss.
The pilot on Latin America – Europe and USA – Middle East trade lanes will involve tracking shipments of commodities such as avocados and berries from grower to consignee, with all members of the supply chain sharing data to identify temperature excursions and pinch points, while working together to find solutions.
The data will be analysed by food loss and waste expert Philippe Schuler, and the results made available to the industry to demonstrate how collaboration can tangibly improve the cool supply chain.
Initial results will be discussed at the CCA’s Global Perishables Event at Fresh Park Venlo, the Netherlands on 14-15 May.
Eric Mauroux, director verticals global head of perishables at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, and CCA treasurer says: “As we move along the supply chain, we will use the information in a proactive way so that everyone within the value chain can adjust their procedures to improve the cool chain together.”
He adds: “We all have pieces of information but there is no platform so far for sharing it and yet data sharing not only helps us improve but also helps create value.”
The pilot will start in April, with CCA members as well as growers and importers taking part to track the consignments.
Mauroux says: “The data sharing will be based on information from recorders in the shipments and we will have the full coverage from the producer to the importer so that we can reconcile the temperature curve with the timeline of handling.”
