Leveraging local technology as a vital solution to address food supply chain challenges.

Justin Floyd, the CEO of RedCloud Technology, an open commerce platform, emphasizes the crucial role of local supply chain visibility in effectively tackling the challenges of food shortages and gluts.

On the availability of local supply, demand, and logistical constraints. This leads to inefficiencies, shortages, and surpluses in the food supply chain, especially in emerging markets where infrastructure and data systems may be less developed.

This is where open commerce platforms like #RedCloud Technology can play a crucial role. These platforms leverage technology to connect local suppliers, distributors, and retailers, providing real-time visibility into the availability and movement of goods in local markets. This allows for better coordination and optimization of the supply chain, ensuring that food products are efficiently distributed where they are needed the most.

One example is the use of data-driven insights to identify alternative trading relationships and connect local suppliers with retailers facing shortages. In the case of Johannesburg retailers experiencing persistent shortages, RedCloud Technology was able to identify local suppliers in Cape Town who were willing and ready to supply to Johannesburg, but were not aware of the unmet market need. By bringing these parties together through the open commerce platform, a local food shortage was effectively addressed, benefiting consumers, retailers, and suppliers alike.

Open commerce platforms also enable greater diversification of the food supply chain by providing opportunities for new food manufacturers and "challenger" brands to enter the market. With better visibility and connectivity, these nascent brands can more effectively fulfill demand and compete with established FMCG giants, leading to increased market share and loyalty.

Furthermore, open commerce platforms can facilitate the implementation of government-led solutions to address food shortages, such as well-targeted social assistance programs or investments in climate-resilient infrastructure. By providing data and insights on local market dynamics, these platforms can support evidence-based decision-making and enable more effective allocation of resources.

In conclusion, local supply chain visibility is vital for addressing food shortages and surpluses in the food #supplychain, especially in emerging markets. Open commerce platforms like RedCloud Technology offer a solution by leveraging technology to connect local suppliers, distributors, and retailers, providing real-time visibility and enabling better coordination, diversification, and optimization of the food #supply chain. This can help prevent food crises, improve consumer choice, lower costs, and promote economic growth in vulnerable communities.