Southwest Traders Selects Blue Ridge Technology to Optimize Inventory for Foodservice Customers

ATLANTA, Aug. 14, 2018 – Foodservice distributor Southwest Traders, Inc. announced today that it has selected supply chain planning technology from Blue Ridge to more accurately forecast customer demand while lowering its inventory levels. Based in Temecula, Calif., Southwest specializes in dry, fresh, frozen, and minus-20-degree distribution to establishments across the U.S. that include quick serve restaurants, yogurt shops, ice cream shops, coffee shops, smoothie bars, schools and boba tea shops.

“Since 1977, Southwest Traders’ culture has centered upon crafting supply chain solutions to meet our customers’ needs,” said Terry Walsh, President, Southwest Traders, Inc. “Today, our customers need to optimally manage their inventory—especially perishables—throughout the supply chain to ensure the right product arrives at the restaurant at the right time in the right condition. We selected Blue Ridge as our partner because of our cultural alignment and their capability of providing ‘clarity’ to meet our customers’ needs.”

The Blue Ridge distribution-focused forecasting and inventory planning system balances customer needs with business realities like erratic demand from regional uniqueness, seasonality, and market fluctuations that put pressure on today’s foodservice and food wholesale distributors. In June, Blue Ridge was named a “Top Green Provider” by Food Logistics magazine, an annual list of companies that have found new ways to promote sustainability throughout their operations and to their foodservice customers.

For more information on Blue Ridge’s experience working with foodservice distributors, click here.

“Our inventory planning and forecasting technology will help Southwest Traders deliver on their brand promise—to be a single supply chain partner delivering operational excellence and industry insights to its customers,” said Jim Byrnes, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ridge. “Blue Ridge provides a foreseeable future to foodservice distributors, ensuring that products get to customers faster, with maximum freshness and shelf life.”

The Blue Ridge supply chain platform is the most accurate way for retailers and distributors like Southwest to spot and plan for changes in customer demand before they happen. This insight helps reduce costs, improve service levels, and assure product availability to customers without creating a costly inventory surplus.

About Southwest Traders, Inc.

Southwest Traders is a fast-growing foodservice distributor with a 40+ year history of crafting last mile supply chain solutions for emerging brands desiring a national footprint.  SWT also serves the independent and national frozen dessert, coffee, and juice segments.  Ken Smith, founder and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner, started the business in 1977 selling cold-pressed juices to the San Diego surf community and remains fully engaged in the setting the strategic direction of the company. Please visit www.southwesttraders.com for more information.