Emerging food and beverage brands often find themselves struggling to keep up with logistics as they scale. What begins as simple shipping quickly becomes a complex mix of warehousing, transportation, e-commerce fulfillment, and retailer expectations.
During our recent webinar, Logistics Without the Headache, we partnered with Craig Loughlin, Senior Sales Manager at FST Logistics, for an insightful discussion on how brands can approach logistics more strategically and avoid the operational bottlenecks that slow growth.
Craig’s presentation focused on understanding when to engage a 3PL, the differences between logistics and distribution, the role of data in scaling, and what brands should look for in a warehouse or e-commerce partner. He shared practical examples from the food and beverage industry, highlighted common mistakes growing brands make, and offered clear guidance on how to build the right partnerships at the right time.
Key Themes from the Webinar
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Know when to bring in a 3PL — usually when logistics begins pulling you away from your core work of making and selling your product.
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Understand the difference between distributors and logistics partners — and how each supports growth in different ways.
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Data drives everything — from on-time delivery performance to retailer compliance and long-term planning.
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Warehouse readiness matters — capacity, cleanliness, reporting, and flexibility are crucial for growing brands.
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E-commerce fulfillment is evolving fast — especially with platforms like TikTok Shop, Faire, and marketplace channels.
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Scalability is about strategy, not size — the right provider helps you scale smoothly without losing control of your customer experience.
Watch the Full Webinar
If you’d like to explore these topics in more detail and hear Craig’s full insights, you can watch the complete recording here.