Strategic partnership in food logistics – a case study of FM Logistic and Inter Europol

Today, success in the food sector is determined not only by the quality of the product itself, but also by the ability to deliver it to the shelves on time and safely. With the growing demands from retail chains expecting error-free deliveries, the role of a logistics operator is evolving from a service provider to a strategic business partner. An example of such synergies is the partnership between FM Logistic and the Inter Europol Group, which includes Inter Europol S.A., a leader in bread production in Poland, and brands such as Bezgluten and Primavika, Poland’s leading manufacturers of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian food.

Inter Europol operates one of the most advanced and automated bread production plants in Europe. In such an environment, where the highest quality of commercial goods is ensured throughout the production process and validated by audits and certifications, services provided by an operator such as FM Logistic must be equally excellent. The operating model implemented to handle the distribution of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian products is based on high dynamics, precision and flexibility. Daily pickups generate a monthly volume of 1,000+ pallets transported to distribution centres of the largest retail chains in Poland. FM Logistic, by taking over the role of the sole logistics operator for the Bezgluten brand in Poland, has also taken responsibility for maintaining the highest standards in the supply chain, where time and precision are key parameters.

Challenges in serving modern sales channels include not only the volume but also, and above all, rigorous operational discipline. Retail chains operate in a ‘just-in-time’ system, which means that any delay generates congestion in distribution centres and real losses on shelves in stores. For a logistics operator, this means the need to comply with strict delivery standards imposed by the retail industry. FM Logistic’s key competencies focus on precise time slot management and integration with customers’ booking systems. The operator takes responsibility for coordinating processes in accordance with the specific guidelines of each retail chain.

The high operational efficiency is the foundation of the partnership between the Inter Europol Group and the logistics operator. The on-time delivery rate remains at 98%, which is a very good result in the demanding world of retail. This not only guarantees continuity of sales, but also builds the manufacturer’s credibility in the eyes of buyers at the largest retail chains. In-depth knowledge of the specific delivery requirements in modern sales channels allows for seamless completion of the deliveries as scheduled and adherence to strict time slots, which directly translates into optimising the logistics costs, explains Magdalena Wójcik, senior business development manager at FM Logistic.

This high quality of services is directly linked to the logistics operator’s deep understanding of the retail market and the requirements of each retail chain. The entire process is supported by a dedicated account manager, who is a key link in communication between the manufacturer and the operator. This allows for swift exchange of information and eliminates misunderstandings. The customer’s high rating for this model confirms that personalization of service is essential for this scale of operations. We were looking for a partner who would understand the dynamics of our deliveries to retail chains, and also provide us with full support in our daily operations. Thanks to the centralisation of customer service and excellent knowledge of retail standards at FM Logistic, we can fully focus on the development of our products, reassured that logistics is in good hands of experts, commented Krzysztof Deja, Logistics Manager at Inter Europol.

A case study of the partnership between FM Logistic and the Inter Europol Group has demonstrated that for food manufacturers, the key to success is not only the product itself, but also how efficiently it reaches the end consumer. Choosing an operator who combines knowledge of the industry with many years of experience is therefore becoming an essential part of the growth strategy of modern food businesses.