The growing need to increase resiliency in the UK food supply chain

After a Summer of heatwaves and droughts, many farmers are left facing the impact on their crop yield and winter supplies. However, this is not the only challenge our food supply chain currently faces.

This week, the Food Foundation has drawn attention to the impact extreme weather has had on many the UK’s international suppliers, with their latest report finding that 90% of the UK’s top fruit and vegetable supply partners were vulnerable to the effects of the shifting climate.

The report named Farming for 5-a-day, denotes that the UK currently imports 40% of its fruit, with imports making up 80% of our fruit supply.  This leaves us open to supply shortages and price increases, whilst also making us significantly more reliant on imported food than the rest of Europe.

This report comes just weeks after the publication of a multi-sector letter calling for the introduction of a ‘Good Food Bill’ to increase food security within the UK.

The Government’s National Security Assessment published in January, also found global ecosystems to be at a high risk of collapse due to continued degradation, unless significant action is taken. It also stated that the “UK relies on imports for a proportion of both food and fertiliser and cannot currently produce enough food to feed its population”.

This highlights the growing necessity of investing in new agricultural technologies, increasing the resiliency of our domestic food supply and supporting climate change adaptation.

Temperature-controlled storage is a key factor in strengthening the resiliency of the UK’s food supply chain. With extreme temperatures set to become the new normal for UK Summers, increased use of cold storage will be necessary to prevent food waste and extend the shelf life of perishable items, which may not be as readily available as we have become accustomed to.

Refrigerated containers have the additional bonus of mobility, rapid delivery and low expenditure when compared to traditional purpose-built cold rooms. This makes them more accessible to farmers, small businesses and wholesalers, all essential building blocks when developing a stronger supply chain.

If you are looking to proactively prepare your business ahead of next year’s Summer heat or need to increase your cold storage capacity to meet seasonal demand, speak to one of our experts today.

Call 01473 261780 or email sales@sevenrefrigeration.co.uk to get a quote.