Importing carrots: some of the unique concerns when dealing with perishables.

Although polly-tunnels and year round growing techniques can help grocers, wholesalers and food retailers alike in stabilising their supply chain and procurement forecasting, the weather, demand, changes to export conditions and freight, shipping and distribution issues can play a massive part in the spending and approach of businesses.

Take the recent chicken shortage.

Businesses have to react quickly to changing circumstances. They don't want to be over-exposed, but, they don't want to be underinsured.

Currency plays a part in this because although a business can formalise their spending by fixing rates, contingencies need to be established and adhered to and this feeds directly in to spending, wastage and foreign currency risk.

Carrots are just a vehicle, but, their import and their seasonal, cyclical appeal make them a good one for us to discuss some of the concerns that small scale operations may not have considered, or, perhaps more importantly may not know can be dealt with and at least mitigated using simple, tried and tested strategies as well as more efficient and competitive pricing and processes.