CARGOCONNECT-APRIL2026 - Flipbook - Page 41
FMCG SUPPLY CHAIN : SPECIAL FEATURE
Advanced analytics and ML enable
companies to analyse historical demand
patterns, consumer behaviour, seasonal
variations, and regional consumption
trends to forecast demand more
accurately. AI-driven IBP platforms
are helping organisations reduce
fluctuations across the value chain while
strengthening distributor-to-retailer stock
availability.
MAHESH GUPTA
Head– Supply Chain, DS Group
The biggest thing that is happening now
in supply chains is we are moving from
cost efficient models to supply chain
centres which are actually closer or more
proximate to the delivery points. Markets
are expanding faster than traditional
metro clusters precisely because supply
chain networks are being redesigned
around emerging consumption corridors
rather than legacy urban footprints.
RUMEE SETHI
Head– Warehousing & Logistics – North,
Jubilant Foodworks
while improving asset utilisation through shared networks and
focussing on practical and measurable sustainability initiatives.”
Further, sharing his observations on the evolution of intelligence-led
green mobility frameworks, Manivannan notes, “AI will play a
key role going forward in driving data-based emission reduction
strategies and enabling more e昀케cient network planning.”
Electri昀椀cation across logistics infrastructure is already gaining
tangible momentum at scale. Sethi points out, “The adoption of
EVs was very much restricted. Now with EVs coming in, more EV
chargers coming in and the markets actually opening, last-mile
delivery partners are moving towards adopting Electric Vehicles
(EVS).” She further notes that renewable energy integration
is extending beyond mobility into production and warehouse
ecosystems, adding, “If I talk about Jubilant’s Bangalore factories,
90% are fuelled by solar and wind energy. In short, sustainability
is sort of integrated into every aspect of our supply chain.”
At the same time, sustainability expectations are being
reshaped not only by regulation but also by increasingly informed
procurement and consumption behaviour. Kaushik explains, “Earlier
when sustainability came into picture, it was more of seen as a
compliance part. Now, there is a mandatory requirement which
is coming up,” emphasising that long-term competitiveness itself
now depends on embedding sustainability parameters directly
into operational frameworks. Lastly, Kaushik notes, “In order to
sustain as a company in future, you need to have the sustainability
parameter inbuilt in your company’s day to day operations.”
Fleet transformation strategies are also emerging as a critical
lever for reducing carbon intensity across high-velocity distribution
networks. Gupta highlights how scalable transition pathways are
being implemented through retro昀椀t-led electri昀椀cation models. He
mentions, “Electric mobility solutions providers like IX Energy
retro昀椀ts expired diesel vehicles by installing advanced electric
power kits, e昀昀ectively converting them into electric vehicles.
This approach simultaneously lowers emissions and extends
vehicle lifecycles, enabling organisations to build a logistics model
that balances speed, operational e昀케ciency, and environmental
responsibility.” Gupta further reinforces, “Sustainability is not
just a regulatory requirement—it is a core performance metric
guiding how we design future-ready supply chains.”
Infrastructure-level interventions are also reshaping warehousing footprints across FMCG logistics networks. Bhawna points out
that organisations are increasingly integrating alternative fuels
and renewable infrastructure directly into logistics expansion
strategies. She notes, “We are actively exploring the adoption
of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles wherever feasible, while also
ensuring that every new warehouse we develop is equipped with
solar power infrastructure to strengthen our commitment to
sustainable operations.”
Equally important is the growing recognition that sustainability
outcomes are often the result of better engineering decisions
rather than isolated environmental initiatives. Raj explains,
“Sustainability, in this context, is no longer a parallel agenda; it
is an outcome of better system design.” He further emphasises
that optimised routing, improved asset utilisation, and e昀케cient
digital infrastructure together contribute to lowering carbon
intensity, noting that “better engineering decisions, across both
physical and digital layers, compound.”
Across the wider FMCG ecosystem, packaging innovation
and renewable energy adoption are also becoming central to
ESG-aligned supply chain strategies. Kumar observes, “Green
logistics trend will grow and industry players will realise the need
for adopting green practices,” highlighting the increasing shift
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