Year after year, Data Analytics in the Food and Beverage Industry has been highlighting the importance of traceability. This refers to the seamless tracking of food- right from the production phase, throughout the processing stages, and finally the distribution part. In many ways, good traceability on part of a food and beverage brand is a strong display of accountability regarding the quality of ingredients, hygiene compliances, packaging/storage norms adhered to, and so on.
Let us understand the reasons why traceability is even more essential for Food and Beverage businesses in 2021:-
Countering the Pandemic Effect
In the initial phase of the pandemic, empty grocery aisles were a common occurrence. This was owing to the massive supply chain disruption that negatively affected the flow of essential ingredients as well as packaged foods. The huge losses thus incurred have prompted business owners to rely on Data Analytics in Food and Beverage Industry. To prevent any such future disruptions, making every touch-point in the supply chain traceable at all times is vital. Connecting the dots is not just a marketing gimmick; it makes your supply chain stronger, more agile, efficient, and will help you overcome any future hurdles that are tough and unpredictable.
Catering to the 2021 Dining Trends
Concrete data-driven insights on 2021 Dining Trends have shown a strong inclination amongst new-age diners of wanting to know the entire ‘farm-to-fork journey of their menu listings. This curiosity has resulted from several points of view. First is the sustainability angle- consumers want to know if what they are consuming has been grown/sourced ethically and whether the supply chain that has brought them their food is sustainable. Secondly, it is the health consciousness on part of dinners because of the increasingly popular notion of relying on fresh and local produce. “The shorter the farm-to-fork journey, the smaller is your waistline” is a popular adage today.
Paramount to Food Safety
In these highly competitive and turbulent times, what can be most detrimental for your food and beverage business is a public recall of any of your product batches owing to a health concern. Not only does this cause immediate losses, it also shatters your credibility as a Food/Beverage Brand. With traceability, you can keep a close tab on every link of your supply chain will definitely help in better compliance with food safety norms that are paramount to your very existence in this industry.
Fosters Brand Credibility
When you are transparent about your supply chain links, it goes a long way in enhancing your brand credibility. Even if a public health or safety concern emerges, they can nip it in the bud with a prompt response owing to a quick and transparent investigation into the matter. Also as mentioned above, consumers today are more drawn towards brands that showcase the entire farm-to-fork journey. Furthermore, this can be a platform for you to showcase the steps you are taking as a business to ensure sustainability and wastage reduction. Be it the cruelty-free process of extracting milk from grass-fed cows in a serene environment, or a ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ policy across your production, processing, packaging, and distribution phases, there is a lot to capitalize on as a Food and Beverage business.
Conclusion
Not just governmental norms or post-pandemic regulations, today’s highly discerning consumers are driving the need for food and beverage brands to be more forthright and transparent about their production, sourcing, sorting, processing, transportation, and storage norms. Not revealing certain practices or concealing vital information can adversely affect your brand image. Traceability needs to be integral to your brand communication and marketing endeavors.
