Online platform launched to match idle lorries with struggling food producers

• The move “should help get more food moving through the system”, said BFFF CEO Richard Harrow

• It follows BFFF’s launch of a ‘dating’ service to match manufacturers with retailers in need last week

The British Frozen Food Federation has launched an online platform to match unused temperature-controlled vehicles with food producers searching for ways to get product to retailers or directly to consumers.

The trade association said the move was primarily designed to support hard-pressed food manufacturers that supply the out-of-home market and had seen customers disappear overnight.

At the same time, many small fleet operators, such as couriers and smaller delivered wholesale businesses, have vehicles sitting idle after a drop in orders.

“In these difficult times we are seeing some parts of the industry having to take vehicles off the road as they see a reduction in demand for products, whilst other parts of the industry have seen greater demand for wheels to keep the food chain moving,” said BFFF CEO Richard Harrow.

“This is a move that should help get more food moving through the system and help haulage and courier companies make use of vehicles that are standing idle in their yards. So, if you have idle vehicles, please support this initiative so we can try and fill gaps in demand in the supply chain.”

Companies can sign up for the transport supply platform on the BFFF website at bfff.co.uk/the-transport-support-platform.

The platform follows on the heels of last week’s BFFF launch of a ‘dating’ service to match foodservice food manufacturers with grocery retailers experiencing a huge surge in demand. Almost 100 companies had signed up so far, the BFFF added.