Suffolk 'food hub' scheme to reduce empty running
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3y Chris Tindall.
A PILOT 'FOOD HUB' in Suffolk could revolutionise the way haulage firms deliver food to shops, restaurants and pubs.
Suffolk County Council (SCC) and private-public-sector partnership Choose Suffolk hope the consolidation centre (similar to the one below) for food items will reduce food miles, cut empty running, and help beat the recession.Also, it is hoped it will promote trade between suppliers.
SCC business development officer Yvonne Moores says the plans are at an early stage, but the pilot scheme should get funding in the next few weeks.
She adds:"It's the distribution that needs addressing. Food distribution is the main cost. Distributors want to work with us. They are running half-empty. What we believe is that the food industry is struggling so badly because of the recession.
"Local suppliers don't work together, but with a hub they can supply a single large contract. Hopefully, this will address a lot of barriers to growth."
Moores believes the huh could be serviced by a mix of operators, and not just one contractor.