Case study detail
raspberries
Larder Bytes - food supply chain management
Contributed by:
Susan Ramsay
Is this case study truly sustainable?
Review it now!
This item has not yet been rated
Are you the author of this casestudy? Update it now.
This virtual organisation manages local food supply chains from producer to end customer, by providing a technology service to members.
Additional images
Click to see a slideshow of these images
Overview
Based in Freuchie in rural Fife, Larder Bytes is supported by Scottish Food & Drink and Scottish Enterprise. It has built a low-cost food supply chain which aims to:
• Improve the quality of food that is available to consumers, by supporting local food producers and by reducing the time food spends in transit
• Help support local businesses by retaining the value of goods sold in the local community, building confidence and sustainability
• Reducing the harm food supply chains do to the environment by reducing food miles, food and packaging waste as well as GHG emissions
• Support efforts to improve the nation's health through a program of education as well as providing a greater variety and better availability of high quality local food.
Jim Mullen started the company three years ago determined to reduce the number of miles that food travels to reach a restaurant or hotel. Initially, the online service was created so chefs could log on at night, scan the produce farmers have available and plan the next day's menu around that.
Mark Lindsey, Executive Head Chef at the The Old Course Hotel says:
"Larder Bytes provide the link to our local suppliers ensuring us of a transparent and efficient supply chain. In being supplied directly from the farm we are assured of receiving only the very best, high quality seasonal produce the benefits of which are clearly enjoyed by even our most demanding customers."
Jim Mullen says:
"Our system manages the information and administration, bringing customers and suppliers together, guarantying a smaller carbon footprint by lowering the number of food miles. It also emphasises local produce and so boosting the local economy and reducing delivery times, which helps guarantee fresh produce. We also believe that the reduction in transport times means that are able to provide fresh produce directly to the homes of consumers cheaper than it can be bought in the big supermarkets."
The company uses software developed by Jim's son, Nicholas and draws on more than 15 years supply-chain experience. Originally the focus was on linking local suppliers with restaurants, hotels and small grocery stores, using an internet-based, virtual outlet to bring together producers and consumers, and providing space for local producers to post notices of available products for consumers to browse and purchase from.
In summer 2007 it expanded into the consumer market with a home delivery service, supported by 11 local distribution hubs between Fife and Caithness. There are now over 38,000 customers between the Highlands and Fife with plans aims to connect 2% of the Scottish population within three years to this local food network.
Key features
consumption
food
transport
Key data
Project Team: for more information contact: Jim Mullen, tel. 01337 858 686 or email, jim@larderbytes.com
Cost: n/a
Local Authority: n/a
Client: n/a
Links
Link to the larder Bytes website
Rate this case study
