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Distribution of Food Products

Food distribution is the process of moving food products and drinks from one place to another, and plays a vital role in public nutrition. The process involves not only transport and delivery, but also handling, preparation and marketing. Food distribution is an important component of food retail, as well as an integral part of public nutrition programs. The distribution of food products involves the safe and efficient delivery of goods for the benefit of both producers and consumers.

  1. Supply Chains

    • Food distribution takes place on multiple levels known as supply chains. A supply chain links food production sites, such as farms or processing plants, with consumers through either commercial sales or public programs. The Consumer Psychology Program at the University of Southern California describes food distribution as typically flowing across three general channels, consisting of manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Each stage of this process involves different considerations of food volume, pricing and demand, and whether the product is perishable or has a long shelf-life.

    Commericial Distribution

    • Food distribution in a commercial context entails the efficient movement of products from manufacturers to retailers in a way that makes products convenient for consumer purchase and promotes the food brand. The University of Southern California Consumer Psychology Program maintains that distribution is often an overlooked component of effective marketing, and that proper distribution can expand opportunities for both producers and consumers. One of the key parts of commercial distribution is turning wholesale, or bulk, items into individual retail products. Manufacturers sell products to distributors in large volumes at lower prices. Distributors in turn make a profit by individually marketing items and selling them at a higher, or retail, cost. Advertising also plays a role in supporting food distribution by encouraging consumers to buy certain goods or shop in a particular venue.

    Public Distribution

    • While food distribution occupies a central role in commercial supply chains, it also plays an important part in government or charitable programs to deliver food to needy populations. Like commercial operations, public food distribution carries products from manufacturers to consumers, but removes the retail element from the distribution process. Public distribution programs include disaster assistance, international food aid, and programs to increase the nutritional health of children, low-income mothers and the elderly.

    Distribution and Justice

    • Proper food distribution is critical for maintaining the health of communities and individuals and, where breakdowns occur shortages, malnutrition or even famine can arise. Food distribution is closely aligned with notions of justice, human rights, and food security; large disparities exist in patterns of distribution. While some populations enjoy abundance, others suffer from deprivation or limited access. Organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme and Food First promote practices that distribute food in a more equitable fashion and ensure needy populations obtain the nutritional resources they require.

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