Discover technology’s vital role in enhancing the UK’s food security 

Over the past year, food security in the UK has come under increasing scrutiny. Amid ongoing global disruptions, there’s growing concern about the resilience of the country’s food systems and the need for reinforcement to maintain a steady supply. Calls for stronger “civil food resilience” have brought attention to how current production and distribution frameworks operate—and how they must evolve to meet the demands of an unpredictable world.    

While boosting agricultural output through improved farming methods is one part of the solution, the efficiency of the supply chain is equally critical. Reliable sourcing, smooth delivery and minimizing waste have never been more important. Every item lost to spoilage or logistical error is one less item on the shelves. Governments and retailers are both facing growing pressure to demonstrate that they can deliver food safely, swiftly and at scale.    

The impact on supermarkets  

Supermarkets and retailers are at the frontline of the food supply chain, facing a host of logistical challenges, particularly with perishable goods. In the UK alone, the retail sector is responsible for roughly 270,000 tons of food waste annually. A significant portion of this waste is linked to improper storage and handling, which becomes even more problematic when supply is strained, or demand is elevated.    

Perishable items such as meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables require strict temperature and humidity control from the moment they leave the farm to the moment they reach the consumer. This need for consistency adds a layer of complexity to logistics. Many retailers are turning to technology to monitor storage conditions and optimize delivery routes to preserve quality and increase the volume of products that make it into customers’ hands. Those without robust technology in place often struggle during periods of high demand, leading to stock shortages and unnecessary waste.    

Beyond internal operations, external factors can also create disruption. Climate events may damage crops or affect transport routes, while labor shortages in warehouses and logistics hubs can stall distribution. As regulatory requirements around traceability and food standards also become more rigorous, further layers of complexity are being added. Finally, the rise in online grocery shopping means food needs to be delivered directly to consumers as well as to store shelves, expanding the logistical footprint even further.    

How technology can help  

To meet these growing challenges, retailers need to invest in technology that offers visibility, control and adaptability. Tools such as predictive analytics can help anticipate supply issues before they occur, while real-time inventory tracking allows businesses to stay ahead of shortages and avoid overstocking. The integration of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) has become foundational in building smarter, more responsive supply chains.    

WMS platforms provide retailers with a clear view of what’s in stock, where it is and when it needs replenishing, helping prevent both waste and missed sales. When integrated with TMS, the system becomes even more powerful. Delivery routes can be optimized, arrival schedules communicated in advance and order cycles better aligned with consumer demand. This flow of data helps create the kind of agility that modern food logistics demand.    

Cold chain logistics, the storage and movement of temperature-sensitive products, is another area where technology plays a decisive role. IoT-enabled monitoring systems can track temperature, humidity and vehicle location in real time. This not only ensures consistent environmental conditions but also provides immediate alerts when deviations occur, allowing teams to respond before products are compromised.    

The road to resiliency  

As global uncertainties continue to mount, the UK’s food supply chain must become more resilient, responsive and intelligent. Retailers can no longer afford to rely on outdated processes or fragmented systems. By embracing technologies like WMS, TMS and IoT, they can better safeguard food quality, reduce waste and ultimately protect access to essential goods for consumers.   

For a list of the sources used in this article, please contact the editor.  

Matt Gregory is Senior Vice President of Voice & Mobility at Infios. Supply chains are the lifeblood of global commerce: driving economies forward, sustaining lifestyles, bringing the world closer together. Yet today, they’re stretched and fragile. Rising consumer demands, geopolitical disruptions, labor challenges and the push for sustainability are testing businesses everywhere. Too often, only the world’s biggest players can access the right solutions, when they should work for everyone. Infios believes the future is better when supply chains work better. Because when businesses of every size thrive, so does the world.  

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