UN Report: 1.3 Billion Tonnes Wasted Annually Through Supply Chains

JOHANNESBURG, July 18, 2011 -

The new UN Global Food Losses and Food Waste report has revealed
that an annual 1.3 billion tonnes in consumables are wasted
throughout the supply chain - from the fields to the consumer.
These figures demonstrate the potential profit companies are
throwing away due to inefficiencies in the supply chain. Poor
demand forecasting and market anticipation may be the key factor in
“leaking” supply chains.

Supply chains are becoming more complex with increased
globalization. The unpredictability of demand in a volatile
economic climate seems to be the main driver of this complexity.
Out-sourcing has also lead to more lead time and higher cost,
increasing the risk of wastage and loss of profit.

Economic up turns continue to drive demand for goods across
sectors, and many organizations are feeling the strains of trying
to meet the requirements. However, supply chain process
optimisation, consolidation and technology investments are proving
to be viable solutions. More needs to be done to combat issues of
wastage, long lead times, supplier management, cost reduction,
environmental conservation and risk mitigation.

The Supply Chain and Logistics Africa Summit taking place
on the 17 - 20 October at the Sandton Sun in Johannesburg will be a
forum that will give organisations from the FMCG, retail, mining,
petrochemical, automotive, pharmaceutical, manufacturing industries
the necessary strategies, tools and solutions in demand
forecasting. It will examine strategic demand forecasting, data
analysis, planning techniques, tools and technologies.
Professionals will hear from a vast knowledge pool of supply chain
and logistics experts across various industries and sectors will be
invaluable for all professionals and decision makers in this area
of focus.

Contact:
Erena Christofides
Erena.christofides@iqpc.com
+27(0)11-275-0457

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