BUSINESS RESULT INTERMEDIATE Unit 9 "A distribution center"

Summary

Fresh Direct, a British company, supplies fresh produce to various UK organizations. With distribution centers in the UK, including Vista, they source globally and locally, ensuring a wide variety. Operating 24/7, they handle over 35,000 orders weekly, focusing on quick turnaround and efficient logistics to maintain freshness and profitability.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 Fresh Direct is a British company supplying fresh fruit and vegetables across the UK.
• 📦 The company has four distribution centers in the UK, including one in Bicester, south of England.
• 📈 Fresh Direct began over 30 years ago and serves a variety of clients including shops, restaurants, hotels, and government ministries.
• ✈️ The company sources fresh produce from around the world, with many items arriving by air despite the high cost and carbon footprint.
• 🚜 Fresh Direct also works with local suppliers, such as an asparagus farm 15 kilometers from the Bicester distribution center.
• 📅 Asparagus is available locally from April to June, but outside this period, it must be imported by air.
• ⏰ The warehouse operates 24/7, handling over 35,000 orders a week, with peak times on weekends and holidays.
• 🍎 The warehouses stock over 2,000 varieties of fruit and vegetables.
• 🏢 The distribution center is divided into two warehouses: the Inspiration Warehouse for specialized deliveries and the Innovation Warehouse for larger organizations.
• 🚛 Efficient logistics and customer service have made Fresh Direct a streamlined and profitable company.

Q & A

What is Fresh Direct?

Fresh Direct is a British company that supplies fresh fruit and vegetables to companies and organizations across the UK.

How many distribution centers does Fresh Direct have in the UK?

Fresh Direct has four distribution centers in the United Kingdom.

Where is one of Fresh Direct's distribution centers located?

One of Fresh Direct's distribution centers is located in the south of England in a small town called Vista.

How long has Fresh Direct been in operation?

Fresh Direct began over 30 years ago.

What types of clients does Fresh Direct serve?

Fresh Direct's clients range from small shops and restaurants to large hotel chains and government ministries.

Where does Fresh Direct source its fresh fruit and vegetables from?

Fresh Direct sources fresh fruit and vegetables from all over the world, including local suppliers.

How does Fresh Direct handle the demand for out-of-season produce like asparagus?

When a customer demands asparagus outside the British season of April to June, the consignment has to come to Fresh Direct by air.

How often is the warehouse operational?

The warehouse is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How many orders does Fresh Direct take per week?

Fresh Direct takes more than thirty-five thousand orders a week.

What are the two types of warehouses at Fresh Direct's distribution center?

The two types of warehouses are the inspiration warehouse for specialized deliveries to restaurants and small hotels, and the innovation warehouse for larger organizations like government ministries and supermarkets.

How does Fresh Direct ensure the freshness of its produce?

Fresh Direct ensures the freshness of its produce by maintaining a quick turnaround of fruit and vegetables in its warehouses.

How are Fresh Direct's lorries and drivers monitored?

The lorries and drivers are monitored and tracked across their journey to ensure good customer service and well-controlled logistics.

Why is air transportation used for some of Fresh Direct's produce, despite its high cost and large carbon footprint?

Air transportation is used to satisfy the demands of British consumers who want certain fresh produce out of season.

How many varieties of fruit and vegetables does Fresh Direct have in its warehouses?

Fresh Direct has over 2,000 varieties of fruit and vegetables in its warehouses.

What makes Fresh Direct a streamlined and profitable company?

Good customer service and well-controlled logistics make Fresh Direct an extremely streamlined and profitable company.