The Ice Cream Supply Chain

The ice cream supply chain is hot! When they move from the manufacturing plant to the distribution center to the store, and eventually into the shopping cart and home of the customer, ice cream producers must ensure that goods retain their consistency. When the ice cream travels from one place, say, a processing plant, to another, such as a delivery truck, the chance of an unexpected temperature change appears to be greatest. Usually, the manufacture of ice cream begins with a handful of components: water, milk or cream, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and sugar. With this simple recipe, ice cream makers continue to innovate and introduce an ever-expanding number of variations. It also increases the expense and complexity of the functions of ordering, demand planning, forecasting, and stock Manufacturing and distribution often bring complexity to the variety of items.

Transport to deep-freeze storage

The food logistics companies ensure that the ice cream is delivered to one of the various deep-freeze storage facilities in strict adherence to the cold chain, which in turn is responsible for further transport. It is critical that the temperature of the frozen food at all times during transport does not exceed-18 degrees Celsius, as an uninterrupted cold chain guarantees top quality. To ensure that the ice cream still has the correct temperature during transport, trucks are cooled down before boarding.

Storage

The boxes are stored in distribution warehouses for frozen products at temperatures between-21 and -24 degrees Celsius after transport, where ideal conditions for ice cream are preserved at all times. Unique sensors permanently control the ambient temperature.

Transport to consumer

The interfaces in the supply chain , particularly while loading goods, pose particular challenges. Prior to servicing, the refrigerated vehicle is cooled down. A temperature reserve is formed as a result of the fact that the ice cream has already been processed between-21 and -24 degrees Celsius. It is also necessary for the trailers to be loaded into tightly sealed door systems that are largely free of thermal bridges. Professional drivers always keep a keen eye on the temperature during transport. The temperature in the trailer is constantly documented by special temperature sensors.

In a similar way to the deep-freeze factory, the distribution of goods to the retailers is carried out. It is important to unload trucks as quickly as possible so that the ice cream can be immediately stored in the deep-freeze space. Only then is the ice cream packed in the retailers' freezer cabinets and made available to customers.