ArrowStream Foodservice Blog

Disruptions to the global food supply have been consistent and are expected to continue perpetually. After recently enduring the pandemic, the global food supply chain has faced inflation, natural disasters, and supply shortages resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian War. 

We are delighted to introduce Nick Hummer - director of product management at ArrowStream. Nick has over sixteen years of experience working in product management and joined the ArrowStream team last year.

The coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing regulations to prevent its spread largely paralyzed the global food supply chain. However, the chaos and destruction have paved the way for new advancements and innovations in the industry as companies have been incentivized to secure the integrity of their supply chains. 

After a rough and stagnant pandemic, the American coffee chain market witnessed tremendous growth throughout 2021 that is expected to continue in the coming months. 

1. Supply Chain Disruptions are Inevitable

Along with death and taxes, disruptions to the global supply chain are certain to continue. Recent years have brought a series of disasters that have obstructed and disarranged the world’s supply chains, and the upheavals continue with no end in sight. The Russian-Ukrainian war has resulted in skyrocketing fuel prices and the potential for a global shortage of wheat. 

“The food supply chain is breaking,” wrote John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods - the largest meat processing company in America. The US beef industry was devastated from the chaos of the pandemic; between March 2020 and June 2021, 56 meat processing facilities suspended operations across the nation. Restaurant closings, facility shutdowns, and supply shortages from culling herds have stunted production and dramatically increased prices. This pronounced economic turbulence has necessitated burger restaurant chains to maintain the integrity of their supply chain now more than ever.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24th has produced dramatic repercussions throughout the global commodity market as both countries are principal exporters of several major commodities. The conflict has disrupted regional commercial activity and international sanctions on Russia from the US, UK, EU, and Canada have obstructed the trade of multiple major Russian exports.

We are excited to spotlight Brian Fitzpatrick - sales operations manager at ArrowStream. Brian has fifteen years of experience working in sales and business management and joined the ArrowStream team last year.

“Not only is Brian hardworking, dedicated, and astute, he is a phenomenal teammate. Skies are the only limit to Brian’s potential, therefore, I recommend him highly as a scholar and a professional!”

- Richard Von Nelson, AVP - Retail Account Manager at Citibank

A plate of food served for dinner at a restaurant is often sourced from an array of distant locations. The potatoes were grown in Idaho, the carrots were produced in California, the wine was distilled in Oregon, and the beef was sourced from Oklahoma from cattle that were fed corn which was cultivated in Iowa.