from farm to fork: how conveyors streamline the food supply chain

This is the first stage, where food begins its journey. Production includes farming, fishing, and aquaculture. It involves a range of practices, from traditional farming to modern, high-tech operations aimed at producing food efficiently and sustainably. In this stage, where raw ingredients are transformed, food industry conveyor systems genuinely shine.

At the very beginning, conveyors are used to transport raw materials, such as grains, vegetables, meats, and dairy. This includes sorting, washing, and preliminary processing.

For instance, in an apple packing facility, conveyors might move the fruit from delivery trucks to washing stations and then to sorting areas, where it is graded by size and quality, all without the need for manual handling, thereby maintaining hygiene and reducing labour costs.

In meat and poultry processing plants, conveyor systems transport carcasses through different processing stages, from slaughtering to deboning, cutting, and packaging. Specialised conveyors equipped with cooling technology ensure that meat products are kept at safe temperatures throughout the process, minimising the risk of contamination.

After processing, the food must be efficiently distributed to retailers and restaurants. This stage involves a network of warehouses, distribution centres, and transportation systems like   trucks and ships. Automated conveyor systems, equipped with advanced  and sorting technology, can quickly and accurately sort products based on destination, size, weight, or other criteria.

In terms of transportation, conveyors facilitate the loading of food products onto trucks, ships, and planes. Dock leveller conveyors, for instance, bridge the gap between the warehouse floor and the transport vehicle.

Modern conveyors can integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS), providing real-time data on products' whereabouts throughout the supply chain.

Finally, food reaches supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores, and farmers markets. Here, consumers make their purchases, and the food journey culminates at our tables. Once again, conveyors are indispensable.

In food service establishments, they have transformed kitchen operations. Conveyor ovens, for example, are a staple in pizza restaurants, allowing for consistent cooking without needing constant attention from the kitchen staff. Similarly, sushi restaurants often feature conveyor belts that deliver food directly to patrons at their tables, providing a novel dining experience while optimising service efficiency. These systems enable restaurants to manage peak dining hours effectively, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.

Behind the scenes, conveyors assist in dishwashing by transporting dirty dishes to cleaning areas and then moving clean dishes back to preparation or service areas. This automates a labour-intensive process, allowing staff to focus on providing better service to customers.