Descartes Systems Group flags impact its retail technology has had on CHEFS CULINAR’s delivery operations

German wholesale food distributor, CHEFS CULINAR, has deployed Descartes Systems Group's last mile delivery solution. The route planning technology allows its employees to automate and optimise the route planning associated with deliveries, to support meeting on-time commitments to customers.

This includes optimising regular fixed deliveries for clients, and managing any ad-hoc deliveries that may be required. For CHEFS CULINAR this resulted in a reduction in total mileage and delivery times; improvements in delivery density; and savings in time, fuel and costs associated with deliveries, both from an planning and execution perspective. 

“CHEFS CULINAR has been delivering food products for over 100 years. In that time our product range has expanded, along with our reach across Europe. As part of that success, punctual deliveries to our customers continues to form a core component of our service promise,” says Dr. Frank Scholz, Group CIO at CITTI Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, the parent company of CHEFS CULINAR.

“Customers today expect to have the capabilities to process orders digitally, reliably and quickly – they count on suppliers to demonstrate traceability, transparency, and to offer sustainable solutions as they deliver goods.”

“Descartes’ technology enables us to meet these requirements, despite  how complex supply chains are becoming globally, and while order and delivery demands become ever more personalised and dynamic. What is more, enhancements to our operations are having a positive knock on effect to our own sustainability goals, as we have improved our carbon footprint.” 

Descartes cloud-based last mile delivery solution has been integrated into CHEFS CULINAR’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and vehicle telematics systems. It improves route productivity by using AI led optimisation technology to reduce the distance driven per delivery, which maximises delivery capacity and reduces costs.

With an integrated GPS-based mobile application, the solution coordinates drivers, dispatchers and call centres to ensure that routes are executed according to plan and so that exceptions are handled efficiently. Additionally, the solution improves delivery sustainability, by enhancing route productivity, resulting in less CO2 per delivery.

“It has been immensely rewarding for Descartes to see the impact that our technology has had on CHEFS CULINAR’s delivery operations,” says Peio Ribas, Senior Vice President EMEA at Descartes Systems Group.

“Our last mile delivery solutions have been designed to help distribution-intensive companies to automate and optimise their delivery operations. So, it’s great to see how our technology is playing a key role in enabling CHEFS CULINAR to continue to deliver goods to its customers on-time and efficiently; while maintaining a great customer service, keeping operational costs low, and while meeting its own sustainability commitments.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Last mile delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.