Westfalia Fruit, a year-round multinational supplier of avocados, and an array of fresh produce to international markets around the globe unveils their forward-looking approach in striving to ensure the security of avocado supply chains amidst the formidable challenges confronting industries worldwide.
The entire supply chain is facing immense challenges - no sooner is Covid on the decline than a war in Europe causes huge disruption to the supply chain and to the global economy. Exploding costs for energy make production more expensive, and costs for transport, cooling, storage, and all other links in the chain are increasing dramatically. The effects of climate change, inflation, personnel shortages, and disturbances in the currency market add further pressure on the industry, this 'perfect storm' underscores the urgency of building resilience of the supply chain.
How can we address these challenges?
Westfalia Fruits strategies for addressing these challenges, include diversifying supply chains, investing in new technologies and building resilience through risk management.
Diversifying supply chains
In close memory, the European Avocado market consisted of less than 7 sources for year-round supply. Nowadays, the European Avocado market is supplied by upwards of 17 countries, and numerous regions within source countries. Westfalia Fruit has invested in new sources of supply to bolster these paradigm supply shifts to today having the most diverse avocado growing footprint, with expansions seen globally in recent years.
This diversification of the supply chain reduces risks of disruptions by spreading out production & sourcing across multiple locations. Provides increased resilience, less reliance on any one source or service, improved cost management & competitiveness, increased flexibility to easily respond to changes in demand, staying ahead of trends, enhancing competitiveness, and championing sustainable production.
Matthew Churchill, Global Brand Manager at Westfalia Fruit, underlined the importance of adapting to the ever-evolving supply dynamics: "The patterns of supply to various markets continually shift. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to pioneer new sources and regions of supply in a proactive manner to safeguard unhindered supply.”
Investing in cutting-edge technologies
Investing in new technologies & processes can increase efficiency and reduce costs. The use of technology such as precision agriculture & automated packing. Blockchain-based traceability systems – improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased transparency throughout the supply chain – helps identify and address potential threats. Data management – to detect and mitigate potential supply chain disruptions such as weather and seasonal related. Improved sustainability by investing in new processes and technologies that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
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For more information: 
Danielle Willems
Westfalia Fruit
Tel.: +27 011 076 8358
Email: [email protected]
www.westfaliafruit.com