IMPORTANCE OF LOGISTICS SERVICES IN INDIRECT DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL WITH FOOD PRODUCTS

Abstract

Distribution intermediaries have an indispensable role in food supply systems as links between food manufacturers and the retail network. When supplying products, manufacturers provide different logistics services to distribution intermediaries. The assessment of their importance can be influenced by the specific/mediating role of distributors in the supply chain. Therefore, primary quantitative research was conducted focusing on the importance of logistics services for distribution intermediaries. The importance of not only traditional services related to order, but also that of other pre-sales, sales and after-sales services was explored. The research results confirm that also for these entities the traditional services of perfect order as well as flexibility of supplier are the most important services. Electronic forms of ordering and delivery speed are also highly rated. Specific is a high importance of offering goods by sales representatives. Interesting is the relatively low importance of collaborative services. The results of the research expand the knowledge of both supply chain management and retail management, while allowing food product manufacturers to improve the supply of services to distribution intermediaries.