Fulfillment for perishable products

Last week, we discussed how to manage fulfillment for subscription products and the multiple challenges this strategy can face. However, this is one of many strategies that have its complexity.  

 

Fulfillment for perishable products poses unique challenges and opportunities. Unlike non-perishable items, these goods require meticulous handling, precise temperature control, and expedited shipping to maintain quality and safety. 

 

As consumers demand fresh and organic products, businesses must adapt their logistics and supply chain strategies to meet these expectations. In today's article, our mexican fulfillment solutions team focuses on the best practices that are revolutionizing the fulfillment process for perishable products.

What are perishable products?

Perishable products are those that have a limited shelf life since they are sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light. They can be broadly categorized into several groups.

For example, fresh products typically have a short shelf life ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks and require constant temperature control to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness, while dairy products are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and must be stored and transported at consistent cold temperatures to avoid bacterial growth. Each category of perishable products comes with its own set of shelf life expectations and storage requirements. 

 

Shelf life refers to the duration a product remains safe and suitable for consumption. It varies significantly among different types of perishables and is influenced by factors such as product type, packaging, and storage conditions.  

 

By understanding the needs and characteristics of perishable products, businesses can implement effective strategies to manage their fulfillment processes. This ensures that products reach consumers in the best possible condition, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing waste.

Perishable product categories and their requirements

As we mentioned earlier, each category will have its requirements when it comes to storage, handling, and transportation, that’s why hereunder we are going to explain further each category and its needs. 

 

Fresh products

This category includes fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These typically need to be kept at temperatures between 32°F and 41°F (0°C to 5°C) to slow down spoilage and maintain freshness, as well as being in environments with high humidity levels, usually between 85% and 95%, which are necessary to prevent dehydration. 

 

Minimizing light exposure and proper ventilation is also important as it can prevent the buildup of ethylene gas, which can hasten ripening and spoilage.

Dairy products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter, require storage at temperatures between 33°F and 40°F (0.5°C to 4.5°C). Also, moderate humidity levels are needed to prevent mold growth, especially on cheese products. 

Meat, poultry, and seafood

These products must be kept at temperatures between 28°F and 32°F (-2°C to 0°C) to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Strict hygiene practices are essential to avoid contamination. Vacuum-sealed or modified atmosphere packaging is often used to extend their shelf life. 

Bakery

These should be kept at room temperature or slightly cooler, as well as low humidity necessary to prevent mold growth and maintain the texture of these items. 

Frozen foods

Must be stored at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) to ensure they remain frozen. Sealed packaging is necessary to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Quick and consistent handling during transportation is required to prevent thawing, which could compromise the quality and safety of these products.

Ready-to-Eat Meals

Such as salads, sandwiches, and pre-cooked meals, should be kept refrigerated at temperatures between 32°F and 41°F (0°C to 5°C). These items often require tamper-evident packaging to ensure safety and freshness. Given their typically short shelf life, efficient logistics and quick delivery to consumers are essential. 

How to handle perishable products?

Handling perishable products requires meticulous care to ensure they remain fresh and safe from the point of origin to the consumer. Here are some key best practices:

1.- Temperature control

As we mentioned, each type of perishable product has an optimal temperature range that must be maintained to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. It's crucial to use temperature-controlled storage facilities and transportation methods, such as refrigerated trucks and cold storage warehouses. 

2.- Packaging solutions

Proper packaging plays an essential role in preserving the quality and safety of perishable products. It should provide protection against contamination, physical damage, and environmental factors such as light and humidity. 

For instance, vacuum-sealed packaging is often used to extend shelf life by reducing exposure to air. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is used by businesses to alter the atmospheric composition around the product, slowing down spoilage. 

3.- Inventory management

This involves implementing a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to ensure that older stock is used or shipped before newer stock. Also by using inventory management software, it can provide real-time data on stock levels, expiration dates, and demand patterns, allowing for better planning and reduced waste.

4.- Hygienic Handling Practices

Maintaining high standards of hygiene throughout the supply chain is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. This includes regular cleaning and sanitization of storage facilities, equipment, and vehicles. 

 

Staff handling perishable products should be trained in proper hygiene practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and regular handwashing. Implementing strict protocols for handling and processing perishable goods helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination and ensures compliance with food safety regulations.

5.- Transportation and logistics

Choosing the right transportation and logistics solutions is critical for the delivery of perishable products. This involves selecting reliable shipping partners with experience in handling temperature-sensitive goods. 

 

Coordinating efficient logistics routes and schedules helps minimize transit time and reduces the risk of spoilage. For last-mile delivery, using refrigerated vehicles and ensuring timely handover to customers is essential to maintain product quality.

6.- Quality control measures

Implementing robust quality control measures throughout the supply chain ensures that perishable products meet safety and quality standards. Regular inspections and testing for factors such as temperature, humidity, and microbial contamination help identify and address potential issues early. 

 

This not only helps maintain the freshness and safety of the products but also enhances customer satisfaction and reduces waste, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient supply chain.

 

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