Food and beverage distribution faces challenges like perishability, regulatory requirements, and changing consumer preferences. The updated Food Safety Modernization Act mandates detailed traceability for higher-risk foods, pushing companies toward automation and technology to overcome labor shortages and enhance efficiency. Traditional practices are evolving, with firms exploring robotics and mixed-case palletizing to streamline operations. As SKU proliferation increases due to consumer demand and online shopping, companies are adopting innovative strategies and automation to manage complexities while improving productivity and reducing reliance on human labor.

Source: https://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/farm_to_fridge_navigating_the_complex_logistics_of_food_beverage_distribution/