European Food Network on course for growth

The logistics sector of the European food market is currently facing enormous challenges. At the annual Partner Days event, the 13 partners of the European Food Network came together over two days to discuss the present situation and develop viable scenarios for the future.

 

The owners, CEOs and Managing Directors of the 13 partners in the European Food Network met in February for the annual Partner Days event. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the two-day event was held in digital form – a first in the history of the alliance, which was founded in 2013.

Opening the conference, Alfred Miller, Managing Director DACHSER Food Logistics, thanked all those involved for their collective and individual efforts and for the exceptional logistical collaboration shown by all during the Covid-19 pandemic: “We have been able to maintain our logistics services within the European Food Network during the pandemic and have provided high levels of service quality to our customers throughout.”

Despite – or perhaps even because of – the enormous operational and organizational challenges confronting all individual partners on their domestic markets during this stressful phase, the European Food Network partners spent last year engaged in constant active communication over the problems arising in connection with food supply chain reliability within Europe. This was confirmed by Till Bischoff, Managing Director of Heidelmann, a freight company based in the town of Schwalmstadt in North Hesse, Germany: “We are part of an extremely close and ongoing in-depth dialogue about the situation in the various countries.”  Peter Galliker, CEO of Swiss logistics company Galliker, is likewise pleased about the new culture of communication.

All EFN partners benefit from the expertise and best practices in place in the countries of the Network.” In fact, the partners unanimously agree, “During the pandemic, we have shown our customers that the European Food Network members have been reliable and dependable logistics partners even amid an unprecedented crisis.“

All partners confirmed this in unison. But Alfred Miller warned, “This is no time to rest on our laurels! We now need to stay alert and keep our eyes closely on what lies ahead for the foreseeable future. This will enable us to respond rapidly and appropriately to unforeseen developments on the market.”

Driving the digital transformation

 

 “It has certainly not been an easy year”, noted Miller in his speech. “But the crisis has delivered some positive insights. Despite the lack of personal meetings, our communication has been stronger than ever before. In addition, we have been able to take another great leap forward in advancing our digital transformation. And we have learnt to adopt new mindsets and move on from outdated ideas.” The in-depth and results-oriented debate of key issues which took place at the event provided further confirmation for the partners’ firm belief in positive forecasts for the European Food Network. The issues included:

• How can we align our operations more effectively to changing market situations in Europe?
• What setting levers can we adjust to further optimize our customers’ experiences and streamline our processes?

As yet, not all proposals have been fully discussed or readied for presentation, but the process of change has been initiated. The solutions put forward over the two-day event clearly show that the European Food Network has set its course for the future, consolidating its position as the main driving force in temperature-controlled food transport within Europe. “We’re going to keep on growing!” announced Alfred Miller in summary of the event – to the agreement of the partners- Toon Verhoeven, Managing Director of the Dutch family-run company Bakker Logistiek, also predicts that opportunities lie ahead for his company: “Our main aim is to continue expanding our export operations to France, Spain and Portugal, with the support of active local partners.”

About the European Food Network

 

The European Food Network is the biggest food transport network in Europe, comprising 13 partners and 11 associate members in 34 countries. With over 219 locations, 2.3 million square metres of warehouse space and 11,500 refrigerated vehicles, the EFN serves a total of 537 million consumers throughout the entire continent. EFN partners include Bakker Logistiek (Netherlands), Bring (Norway, Sweden, Finland), Brummer Logistik (Austria and Slovenia), DACHSER Food Logistics (Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg), DACHSER France (France), DACHSER Italy Food Logistics (Italy), Galliker Transport & Logistics (Switzerland), Spedition Heidelmann (Germany), H.P. Therkselsen (Denmark), karldischinger logistikdienstleister (Germany), Liegl & DACHSER (Hungary), Logifrio (Portugal and Spain), Raben Gruppe (Poland, Czech Republic, Baltic states) and Turners (UK).