IFMA to Develop Best Practices in Foodservice Supply Chain Optimization

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) will be joining forces with Kinetic12, a food industry management consulting firm, to establish and develop best practices for foodservice supply chain optimization, and it is seeking participation by industry leaders from all areas of the supply chain.

This initiative, which builds off IFMA's existing collaboration best practice, Operator Collaboration Model (OCM), will benefit the entire foodservice supply chain; manufacturers, chain operators, and distributors, the association said. A key component in the success of this effort will be the Development Board comprised of industry experts from across the supply chain.

IFMA and Kinetic12 will oversee the Development Board and will work in conjunction with supply chain management expert HAVI, and Datassential, a research company, to provide a collaborative opportunity for manufacturers and distributors to work directly with operators. The purpose of this new best practice is to solve today's most pressing supply chain challenges for both core menu and limited time offer (LTO) products.

"This initiative is designed to affect change and bring about solutions for the supply chain issues we all face," added Rich Kamph, senior vice president of global supply chain at Focus Brands. "We are looking forward to collaborating with other operators, manufacturers and distributors and aligning on new standards that will ultimately bolster a more transparent and efficient supply chain."

The Development Board is currently being filled by industry leaders from all areas of the supply chain, with several national chain operators participating. If you are an industry leader and have interest in developing this best practice, please join the initiative. Contact Larry Oberkfell at IFMA or Jeff Schroeder of Kinetic12 for more details.