1. Introduction

The food logistics supply chain, as an important link connecting producers and consumers, plays a crucial role in the modern economic system. With the continuous deepening of global trade, the complexity and dynamics of food logistics supply chains have also increased. It not only involves the physical flow of food from production to consumption, but also includes the integration of information flow, capital flow, and service flow. Effective management of the supply chain is crucial in ensuring food quality, reducing costs, improving service levels, and meeting consumer demands during this process.

Every link from production to consumption may have efficiency bottlenecks, which affect the performance of the entire supply chain. For example, issues such as food loss during transportation and storage, inaccurate demand forecasting, and information asymmetry in the supply chain can all lead to increased costs and decreased service quality. In addition, with the increasing demands of consumers for food safety and quality, supply chain management also needs to constantly innovate and improve to adapt to market changes.

Based on a comprehensive review of existing literature and in-depth case analysis, this paper provides theoretical and practical references for improving food logistics supply chain management. The aim of this study is to promote the continuous progress of the food logistics industry, in order to meet the growing market demand and seek a win-win situation for all parties in the supply chain.

2. Problems in Food Logistics Supply Chain Management

2.1. Information Asymmetry

The imbalance in information acquisition between various links in the supply chain has increased the difficulty of market forecasting, affecting the efficiency of inventory management and transportation scheduling [1]. This information asymmetry can lead to unreasonable resource allocation, increase operational costs, and reduce the responsiveness and flexibility of the supply chain. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an effective information-sharing mechanism, utilize advanced information technologies such as the Internet of Things and big data analysis, improve transparency and collaborative efficiency, ensure real-time information sharing among various links, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

2.2. Cost Issues

Cost control in the food logistics supply chain is a key link in ensuring competitiveness. The cost issue involves multiple aspects, including raw material procurement, production and processing, transportation and distribution, and inventory management. The high logistics costs not only reduce profit margins, but may also lead to a decrease in price competitiveness. An effective cost management strategy needs to be achieved through refined cost accounting, supply chain collaboration, and the adoption of advanced information technology. Thus, while ensuring service quality, we can minimize operating costs, improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain, and accelerate market response.

2.3. Transportation Efficiency Issues

The issue of transportation efficiency in food logistics cannot be ignored. Due to the short shelf life of food products, delays in transportation can lead to food spoilage and increased losses [2]. This not only affects consumer satisfaction, but also causes economic losses and a decline in the reputation of the enterprise. Efficient transportation strategies, including optimizing route planning, improving loading efficiency, and adopting advanced transportation management systems, are crucial for ensuring food freshness and reducing costs, thereby improving the overall operational efficiency and service level of the supply chain and enhancing market competitiveness.

2.4. Inventory Management Issues

The transportation efficiency issue in the food logistics supply chain is crucial, as the perishability of food requires fast and reliable transportation. Effective route planning and real-time tracking technology reduce transportation delays and ensure food safety [3]. Inventory management affects costs and customer satisfaction. Accurate demand forecasting and timely replenishment to avoid excess inventory and shortages, utilizing advanced technology to optimize inventory management, and improving overall operational efficiency and flexibility [4].

3. Innovative Measures for Food Logistics Supply Chain Management

3.1. Innovative Supplier Management Model

The innovative supplier management model focuses on establishing close partnerships with suppliers, sharing key information such as market demand, inventory levels, and production plans, and promoting synergies throughout the entire supply chain [5]. For example, supply chain management software and data analysis tools, which utilize advanced information technology, can monitor and evaluate the performance of suppliers in real time, and identify and solve potential problems in a timely manner. Integrate supplier networks to optimize procurement processes, reduce unnecessary intermediate links, lower costs, and improve supply chain responsiveness. The construction of a more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective food logistics supply chain cannot be achieved without the joint action of these measures.

3.2. Digital Management

Cloud computing, big data analysis, and Internet of Things technology enable supply chain managers to monitor product flow in real time, optimize inventory levels, and accurately predict market demand [6]. While improving the speed and accuracy of data processing, it also enhances control over the visibility of the entire supply chain, enabling managers to quickly respond to market changes and effectively reduce inventory backlog and out-of-stock risks. Digital tools can also assist decision-making, such as analyzing historical data and trends, predicting future market trends, and providing data support for supply chain strategic planning. For example, Wal Mart has significantly improved the efficiency of the supply chain through big data analysis and Internet of Things technology. Real time monitoring of inventory and transportation to avoid loss of out of stock or excess inventory. Data analysis predicts market demand, ensures sufficient goods, and improves customer satisfaction. Digital management optimizes supply chain operations, reduces costs, and improves flexibility and responsiveness.

3.3. Modern Supply Chain Management Concept

Implementing modern supply chain management concepts, the food logistics industry is gradually abandoning traditional isolated management methods and shifting towards a more comprehensive and systematic operating mode. This means that every step from raw material procurement to product distribution is integrated into a unified strategic plan. Integrating resources and sharing information has become the key to improving efficiency, enabling every participant in the supply chain to access necessary data and make more accurate decisions. The practice of this management philosophy has a great promoting effect on the collaborative work of various links in the supply chain, and also enhances customer satisfaction. For example, Amazon adopts an advanced supply chain management system that closely integrates all aspects of the global supply chain, optimizes inventory management and distribution networks through big data and artificial intelligence technology, and achieves efficient logistics services. Using predictive analysis for demand planning to ensure optimal inventory for each warehouse, and reducing storage costs and transportation delays. The intelligent warehousing system improves operational efficiency and accuracy through automation technology, reducing labor costs. Modern supply chain management also includes the concept of sustainable development. Food logistics companies pay attention to environmental impacts, adopt green logistics technologies such as electric transport vehicles and recyclable packaging materials, improve operational efficiency, and meet environmental requirements.

3.4. Inter Chain Collaboration

Inter chain collaboration strengthens the connection between food logistics supply chains, enabling different supply chain entities to achieve resource sharing and information exchange. This cooperation model eliminates information silos, accelerates data flow, and enables various links in the supply chain to timely capture market dynamics and respond. The resource sharing strategy allows all parties to utilize collective resources and intelligence to enhance the adaptability and flexibility of the entire network. In addition, the risk sharing mechanism enhances the supply chain's ability to resist market fluctuations. In practical operation, collaborative relationships promote mutual benefit and win-win outcomes in all aspects of the supply chain, significantly enhancing overall competitiveness and market response speed.

For example, Nestle and Wal Mart have optimized the operation efficiency of the supply chain by sharing inventory and sales data. Nestle can timely understand the inventory and sales of Wal Mart stores around the country, accurately predict demand and adjust production to avoid excess inventory or shortage. Wal Mart has reduced inventory costs, improved commodity turnover speed and customer satisfaction. Another case is that Unilever and its supply chain partners use the Collaborative Planning and Forecasting Replenishment System (CPFR) to share sales forecasts, inventory data, and production plans, achieve information sharing and joint decision-making, reduce inventory levels and transportation costs, and improve supply chain response speed and efficiency. Inter chain collaboration enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the supply chain, improves operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

3.5. Risk Management

Risk management requires the systematic identification, assessment, and mitigation of various risks that may arise in the supply chain, including but not limited to food spoilage, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuations in market demand [7]. By developing a detailed risk management plan, enterprises can take preventive measures, such as establishing backup supply chains, adopting advanced food preservation technologies, and implementing flexible production and distribution strategies, thereby improving the resilience and reliability of the supply chain. For example, McDonald's implements a comprehensive risk management strategy in its global supply chain, establishing diversified supply chains and adopting cold chain logistics systems to ensure food quality and safety. Danone Company has introduced predictive analysis tools to identify potential risks in advance, adjust procurement and production plans, and reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions by analyzing weather data. Enterprises should establish effective emergency response mechanisms, conduct regular risk assessments and simulation exercises, ensure prompt action in the event of emergencies, reduce losses, strengthen information sharing and communication, and enhance the overall risk response capability of the supply chain.

4. Conclusion

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the problems and innovative methods in food logistics supply chain management. Information asymmetry, cost control, transportation efficiency, and inventory management are key factors affecting supply chain performance. By introducing innovative supplier management models, digital management, modern supply chain management concepts, inter chain collaboration, and risk management strategies, the efficiency and responsiveness of the supply chain can be significantly improved. These innovative methods can not only reduce costs and improve service quality, but also enhance the transparency and risk resistance of the supply chain. This paper has not yet delved into the specific challenges of regional food supply chains. In addition, empirical research methods have not been used to analyze the specific application effects in actual cases, which are directions for future research to improve and expand. With the continuous advancement of technology and changes in the market environment, innovation in food logistics supply chain management will be the key to driving industry development, meeting consumer needs, and addressing future challenges. Future research and practice should continue to explore more efficient and intelligent management methods to achieve sustainable development of the food logistics supply chain.