Competing on Margin and Agility: Why Manufacturers Must Rethink Their Systems

The food industry is fiercely competitive. Demand volatility, frequent promotional shifts, ingredient sourcing constraints, and tight production windows define the playing field. Yet many manufacturers still rely on disconnected tools and legacy ERP systems to manage what has become a fast-moving, data-driven, multi-site operation.

Outdated platforms create real-world risk. Fragmented data across finance, supply chain, and production slows decision-making and creates blind spots across the value chain. Growth via acquisition becomes a strain instead of a strategy. Planning becomes reactive. Labor becomes isolated. Capacity gets wasted.

QAD offers a different path.

Most ERP systems function as systems of record. They track what’s happened.  They don’t help you respond to what’s happening now or predict and prevent future problems from occurring. QAD is different. It’s a system of action.  Purpose-built for today’s food manufacturers who face constant disruption, shifting demand, and supply chain volatility.

Built specifically for complex manufacturing environments, QAD Cloud ERP gives food manufacturers a scalable, resilient digital foundation. When paired with QAD’s Manufacturing Optimization Platform (which includes production planning, advanced scheduling, and connected workforce capabilities), manufacturers begin a Production Excellence Journey that prepares them not just to compete, but to lead.

ERP Built for Manufacturing at Scale

QAD’s Cloud ERP is more than a system of record. It is a system of agility, built to enable visibility, control, and speed across the enterprise. From financial consolidation to global supply chain orchestration, QAD ERP supports manufacturers in unifying core business processes and positioning for right-sizing.

Support for M&A and Global Expansion
In a category where growth often means acquiring new brands, facilities, or co-manufacturing partners, QAD ERP enables rapid post-acquisition integration. Finance teams gain full visibility across multiple entities and currencies, while operations standardize procurement, inventory, and compliance under one global platform.

Unified Financial Management
QAD ERP simplifies multi-site and multi-national operations by consolidating financials into a single system. Leadership can act on real-time data, monitor profitability across products and regions, and streamline regulatory compliance. This clarity enables more confident strategic decisions and greater operational control.

Supply Chain Synchronization
QAD delivers full supply chain visibility, from raw material procurement to final delivery. Built-in analytics and automation ensure purchasing, production, and distribution operate from the same plan, reducing waste and increasing service levels.

With QAD ERP as the core, manufacturers gain the stability and scalability required to pursue continuous improvement, respond to change faster, and prepare the business for long-term transformation.

The Manufacturing Optimization Platform: Turning Plans into Production

ERP is only part of the journey. Operational excellence happens when planning intelligence, production execution, and frontline performance work together in real time. That’s where QAD’s Manufacturing Optimization Platform comes in.

Forecasts and Demand Planning
Sales demand means little if it can’t be translated into an actionable forecast. QAD helps companies capture demand signals from multiple sources—sales orders, customer forecasts, historical data, and market trends. For make-to-order environments, QAD allows actual customer orders to drive production demand directly, while still considering forecasted volumes for long-lead materials and resource allocation. The result: smarter inventory, fewer surprises, and more confident decision-making.

Production Planning
A forecast is only the starting point. Turning that forecast into a solid production plan is where the real work begins. QAD connects demand with real-world constraints—like capacity, labor, materials, and supplier schedules. This ensures that plans are not just theoretical, but truly executable.

You need production planning and scheduling because you can’t schedule your way out of a bad plan. Without clear planning, even the best schedules fail. QAD enables planners to align service levels, costs, and profitability—before production ever begins.

Advanced Scheduling
Manufacturers operating in fast-paced, multi-SKU environments face constant changeover challenges and variable throughput. QAD Advanced Scheduling creates optimized production sequences based on constraints, labor, and asset availability. This results in fewer bottlenecks, reduced downtime, and greater responsiveness to last-minute changes.

Redzone: Boosts Frontline Productivity and Engagement

Operators, supervisors, and frontline teams are critical to execution. QAD’s connected workforce capabilities digitize task management, performance tracking, and communication. Real-time visibility empowers teams to reduce unplanned downtime, act on performance data, and contribute directly to plant-level improvement.

Together, these tools form the Manufacturing Optimization Platform; a suite designed to close the loop between enterprise planning and plant floor execution.

The Production Excellence Journey: Transforming from the Inside Out

True transformation doesn’t happen with technology alone. It happens when strategy, execution, and systems align. The Production Excellence Journey is QAD’s vision for helping manufacturers take control of complexity and turn it into a competitive advantage.

By combining the operational backbone of QAD ERP with the agility of the Manufacturing Optimization Platform, organizations begin a structured evolution toward:

• Higher throughput with fewer resources – Minimized downtime, increased OEE and output by labor hour
• Reduced inventory and working capital – Improved inventory turns, lowered DIO and decreased downtime
• Greater schedule adherence – Higher on-time rates and better alignment of planned vs. actual production
• Faster integration of acquisitions – Shortened system integration timelines and quicker financial close
• Increased visibility and accountability – Real-time data access, faster exceptions, audit trails, and higher digital adoption

Don’t Let Legacy Systems Set Your Limits

Shelf-stable food manufacturing is only getting more complex. Competitors are digitizing fast. Retailers expect tighter delivery windows and greater responsiveness. Talent is harder to retain. Costs remain volatile. In this environment, operating on disconnected, outdated systems is not just inefficient, it is a strategic liability.

QAD provides a way forward: a modern, purpose-built cloud ERP platform backed by real manufacturing execution tools. With QAD, manufacturers are not forced to choose between control at the top and agility at the plant. They are both; unified, scalable, and ready for growth.

Ready to Modernize? Then Take the First Step

The future belongs to manufacturers who invest in the systems that support speed, precision, and accountability across every layer of the business. Don’t let outdated systems hold you back. Visit www.qad.com to schedule a conversation or reach out to me directly at stephen.dombroski@qad.com. Let’s talk about how QAD can help you streamline operations, boost agility, and set your business up for long-term success.

With the food and drink industry subject to some of the most rigorous safety and hygiene requirements in UK manufacturing, BFFF member Contact Attachments Ltd, based in Newtown, Powys, is encouraging fellow members to look more closely at how their choice of forklift attachments could be impacting site safety and compliance.

In their latest guide, Contact explores how investing in the right forklift attachments can help manufacturers reduce risk, prevent contamination, and meet industry-specific safety regulations – all while improving efficiency.

Mark Jones, Technical Sales Advisor at Contact Attachments, explains:

“Forklift attachments aren’t just about moving goods from A to B – they’re key to creating safer, smarter workflows across your operation. Whether it’s reducing manual handling risks, avoiding product damage, or ensuring compliance with LOLER and hygiene legislation, choosing the right attachment can make a huge difference.

“In chilled or washdown environments especially, attachments made from non-toxic, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel are a must, as are components that can withstand extreme temperatures or moisture without failing. Our new guide looks at the various ways in which attachments support – and can even improve – safety and compliance in food production, and what risk factors manufacturers should be considering when investing in new equipment.

“We work with food manufacturers across the UK to supply attachments that are tailored to the unique challenges of cold stores, allergen-sensitive zones, and hygiene imperative production areas. If any fellow BFFF members would like to chat through the options or seek advice on anything in particular, we’re always happy to help.”

You can read the full safety-focused guide from Contact here:  https://tinyurl.com/ykewk5k6

Contact Attachments offers a wide range of standard and bespoke material handling solutions to the food and drink sector, with a growing number of businesses in the cold chain and hygiene-critical environments turning to its stainless steel and sealed component ranges. For more information, visit: www.forklift-attachments.co.uk or call 01686 611200.

Gerald McDonald Group, one of the UK’s longest-standing suppliers to the food and drink industry, has been named the Agriculture, Food and Drink category winner for the Department for Business and Trade’s prestigious “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” Awards 2025.

Now in its third year, the awards programme highlights standout British exporters who are helping to promote UK products on the global stage. Gerald McDonald & Company was recognised for its sustained export growth, innovative supply chain capabilities, and global reach – delivering ingredients to customers in over 30 countries across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Accepting the award at the official ceremony, Managing Director and the 4^th generation to lead the company, Maxim McDonald commented:

“Winning this award is a proud moment for the whole team at Gerald McDonald Group. Exporting has always been a vital part of our growth – it’s how we share our ingredients, values, and expertise with the world. This recognition not only celebrates our international success, but also the incredible partnerships and people that make it all possible.”

The judging panel praised the business for its robust international strategy, heritage-led innovation, and commitment to sustainability – traits that have helped cement its position as one of the UK’s leading independent exporters in the food ingredients space.

This latest accolade marks another milestone in Gerald McDonald’s continued investment in global growth and its mission to bring British ingredient excellence to the world.

Winners will receive a promotional package that includes a one-year membership to the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, a custom campaign across Department for Business and Trade channels, and professional photography to use for their business. As well as being invited to the Award show in London.

About Gerald McDonald Group

Founded in 1917 and operating from a purpose-built, BRC AA–certified facility in Basildon, the family-run company supplies high-quality ingredients, including juices, purees, citrus derivatives, herbs, spices, and essential oils, to the global food, drink, flavour, and fragrance industries. Over the past century, Gerald McDonald Group has developed a reputation for quality, flexibility, and long-standing supplier relationships.

An Oakland International colleagues and friends’ team are ecstatic after completing an epic three-day bike ride from Great Yarmouth to Warwick (27th to 29th June) and raised vital funds of over £30,000 for children’s charity Molly Ollys.

Oakland International Group Supply Chain Director Lee Whiting said: “It was tough going with the heat and the wind, but we made it and thanks to the incredible generosity of people and businesses who supported us, we’ve managed to raise more than £30,000 for Molly Ollys which is amazing!”

Molly Ollys supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, focusing on emotional wellbeing. The charity fulfils wishes by providing gifts, donating their therapeutic toy ‘Olly The Brave’ and story books, funding bespoke projects such as a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant, and furnishing the Magnolia House palliative care facility at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, among many other initiatives.

The Oakland and Friends team included members of the Oakland International family from the Bardon, Corby, and Redditch sites, as well as family members from Attwell Farm Park in Redditch and staff from BakeAway in Corby. Together, they joined to form a group of 29 cyclists taking on this challenging charity ride.

Every wish granted by Molly Ollys costs around £500. To date, the charity has helped over 19,500 children, granted more than 4,300 wishes, and provided over 20,000 Olly The Brave toys and books to more than 70 hospitals across the UK.

Added Lee: “Every mile we rode has brought us closer to granting a child’s wish, from a dream gift, memorable day out, or something simple that brings a smile.

“The support we received will make a real difference, and we are so thankful to everyone who helped make this possible.”

Emperor’s Choice, the premium Asian brand by Jan Zandbergen Group, is expanding its successful Oriental Delights range with a selection of new products that perfectly respond to the growing demand for both authentic and on-trend Asian flavors within the European foodservice market.

 

The new Oriental Delights range spans from savory Gyozas to crispy Spring Rolls, developed using traditional recipes and inspired by today’s latest food trends. With ease of preparation, consistent quality and a distinctive flavor profile. The brand offers food professionals the opportunity to delight their guests time and time again.

 

“We combine the finesse of East Asian recipes with Western kitchen logic. That’s why our products work just as well in a food truck as they do in a high-end delivery kitchen.” – Matthijs Nieuwkoop, Product Development Manager

 

New products, trusted quality

The refreshed Oriental Delights selection features a series of new products that bring together authentic Asian flavors with fast and efficient preparation. For lovers of finger food, there are crispy Spring Rolls with rich fillings, available in chicken, duck, or vegetable varieties. Finally, the Chicken Gyoza offers a juicy dumpling that serves perfectly as an appetizer or side dish.

 

These newcomers complement existing favorites such as Chicken Karaage, Chicken Tatsuta-age, Chinese Roasted Duck, and Chicken Yakitori. Together, they form a broad offering of street food-style snacks and meal components inspired by the cuisines of Japan, Korea and China. All Oriental Delights are pre-cooked, allowing for quick service while maintaining excellent texture and taste in any professional kitchen.

 

What makes Oriental Delights so versatile are the many uses. Not only are they ideal as snacks or shared bites, but they also make great additions to rice and noodle dishes, Asian-style bento boxes, or all-you-can-eat and street food concepts. The products are perfect for small plates, sharing menus, or fast-paced casual dining and delivery formats. Thanks to their reliable quality and simple handling, chefs can stay creative without compromising on speed or consistency.

 

Blending traditions with trends

With the expansion of Oriental Delights, Emperor’s Choice continues to tap into relevant food trends. Think of the rising popularity of Korean-style street food, the growing appeal of Japanese small plates, and the ongoing demand for classic Chinese bites. Emperor’s Choice aims to make traditional East Asian flavors more accessible for European foodservice professionals without sacrificing on authenticity.

 

A key part of the development process was a dedicated trip to Asia by the Jan Zandbergen Group R&D team. In close collaboration with local partners and suppliers, in-depth research was conducted into flavor profiles, recipes, and preparation techniques. By tasting, testing, and refining products on-site.  A range was created that truly honors Asia’s rich culinary traditions while seamlessly aligning with the needs of the European kitchen.

 

For food professionals, by food experts

Every Emperor’s Choice product is developed with the demands of professional kitchens in mind. The range is frozen, ready-to-use and consistently high in quality. Ideal for chefs, wholesalers, and buyers looking to impress with original Asian creations.

 

“We are seeing continued growth in the popularity of Asian cuisine. There is a growing demand for premium, authentic products. Yet, these are not always easily accessible in the market. With our expertise and strong supplier relationships, we have travelled through Europe and Asia to develop the best possible recipes. After extensive testing, we are proud to reintroduce our renewed Emperor’s Choice range to meet our customers’ evolving needs.” – Laurens Kraaijenbrink, Sales Executive

 

Looking ahead: more flavors in the making

At Emperor’s Choice, we always keep looking for new developments. While the latest Oriental Delights are making their way into kitchens across Europe, new products are already in development to further enrich the range. The launch of the Korean Burger Hot & Spicy is coming soon, created from a desire to bring Korea’s bold flavor profiles into a new and unexpected format. Our Teppanyaki range will also be expanded soon, tailored for chefs seeking refined grill cuts with an Asian signature. These innovations are no coincidence. They are the result of ongoing conversations with food professionals and a deep commitment to continuous improvement, with flavor as our guiding principle.

 

Want to learn more or schedule a tasting?

Discover the full product range at www.emperorschoice.eu. For more information or to schedule a tasting session, contact us at sales@janzandbergen.com or +31 (0)318 563 563.