As we move into the Golden Quarter, the pressure on logistics and supply chain operations intensifies. This period, spanning from October to December, is marked by a sharp rise in consumer demand, driven by significant shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas holiday season. For UK bakers such as Warburtons, Hovis and Allied Bakeries this quarter presents unique challenges, as the demand for fresh baked goods increases and the movement of their returnable transit packaging (RTP) equipment—such as bread baskets and dollies—becomes even more crucial.
The Golden Quarter is a critical time for retailers and logistics providers alike. With consumers flocking to grocery stores, the need for precise and efficient logistics solutions becomes paramount. However, this surge also results in heightened strain on transport networks, warehouse space, and delivery fleets. It’s no different for Bakers Basco (the membership scheme created to purchase, manage, and monitor the use of standardised bread baskets for deliveries to retailers and wholesalers), but in addition to managing the increased demand for our equipment, we face a unique challenge: ensuring that our essential RTP assets are returned.
During this busy period, more RTP equipment goes missing than at any other time of the year. With the heightened pace of food deliveries, there’s a greater likelihood that our baskets and dollies may be misplaced or diverted. These items play a pivotal role in the safe and timely delivery of fresh baked goods across the UK, particularly during occasions such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, and Christmas. Without them, the efficient flow of baked goods from bakeries to supermarket shelves would be severely compromised.
This problem, however, is not one of supply shortage. The issue lies in equipment being stuck in the wrong place or in the wrong hands – whether abandoned at distribution centres, delivery bays, or even left behind on the streets. This not only disrupts the supply chain but also has financial and environmental implications. Every basket or dolly that goes missing means additional costs to replace them, as well as unnecessary waste entering the environment when they aren’t properly reused. This equipment is designed to last up to 10 years as part of a sustainable, circular economy.
Every year we emphasise the importance of fostering a responsible return culture. We urge everyone involved – from the general public to warehouse staff, logistics managers, and supermarket employees – to be mindful of the equipment they handle. Our RTP assets are clearly marked with embossed labels indicating ownership and they are clearly marked with a contact number aimed to prompt finders to contact us for speedy recovery by our collection teams.
In recent years, the food industry has faced unprecedented external pressures on its supply chains, but this year brings an opportunity to reverse some of the trends that have contributed to missing equipment. As we move through this Golden Quarter, let’s all work together to ensure that these vital assets make their way back into the supply chain ready to serve the next round of deliveries.
We at Bakers Basco rely on the commitment and cooperation of everyone in the supply chain to safeguard our equipment. By doing so we can continue to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of fresh bread and baked goods across the UK, while reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
As we prepare for the busiest time of the year let’s focus on getting it right, not just for the customers we serve, but for the future of our supply chains and our planet.
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