The Supply Chain Year in Stories: October 2024
What Does US Port Strike Mean for Global Supply Chains?
Logistics and operations leaders braced themselves for the initial impacts of dockworker strikes at ports along the US East and Gulf coasts earlier this year.
Strikes at several major ports got under way on Tuesday (1 October) and were expected to hit supply chains in the US and beyond, as concerns grew about how long action will last and the extent of the damage.
Port operators prepared for the seemingly-inevitable industrial action by extending hours and implementing special measures, particularly for refrigerated shipments, to reduce cargo losses. Ocean carriers also introduced surcharges on shipments heading to East Coast ports.
Anticipating the strike, many companies moved their peak season ocean freight shipments forward, but later faced considerable logistical challenges.
Shippers looked to air freight to move essential inventory, but the high costs involved mean this made it a last resort.
The timing of the strike also posed a serious threat to festive supply chains.
With the holiday season fast approaching, retailers depended on smooth logistics to keep shelves stocked with toys, electronics and other high-demand goods.
Delays caused by the strike could lead to some shortages and unfulfilled orders - but the industry largely recovered well.
Trick or Treat: Inside the $11.6bn US Halloween Supply Chain
Halloween in the US is a magical concoction of haunted houses, costumes, sweets and pumpkins, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike.
And yet, behind this night of thrills and chills lies a complex and time-sensitive supply chain that quietly supports the spectacle each year. The National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2024 Halloween consumer survey projected that total spending for the holiday would reach an eye-popping US$11.6bn.
While Halloween is fleeting, the preparation behind it is anything but – with companies, distributors and retailers working for months to keep this spookiest season well-stocked.
This year's Halloween supply chain entails an intricate web of production and planning, as companies and retailers adapt to shifting consumer trends, seasonal demands and new logistical challenges.
From pumpkin patches to pop-up stores, Supply Chain Digital took a look at how Halloween came to life in 2024.
Pumpkins are the quintessential symbol of autumn, featuring everywhere from front-porch decorations to pumpkin pies.
An NRF survey highlighted that demand for these orange beauties is only growing, with many consumers making Halloween purchases well before October.
Pumpkins alone account for a substantial slice of autumn’s agricultural output, with the USDA reporting that just six states (Illinois, California, Indiana, Michigan, Texas and Virginia) produce nearly half of all pumpkins grown in the US.
Typically, pumpkins need 90-120 days to grow from seed to harvest-ready, which means farmers plant in June or July to meet the early autumn demand.
The supply chain for pumpkins involves multiple players, from growers and harvesters to transporters and retailers, each working to get them from field to doorstep in time for Halloween.
As demand for processed pumpkin products grows too, especially for seasonal treats, the market is expected to expand further, with an annual growth rate of 6.5% projected through 2028 - what will it be in 2025?
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