Out-of-Home Consumption (OHC) Channel: The Backbone of the Food Sector
The Out-of-Home Consumption (OHC) Channel is of great importance in the food and beverage industry, defined as a supply chain that provides and distributes products consumed outside the home. This channel is responsible for delivering products not consumed at home to restaurants, cafes, hotels, catering companies, hospitals, and similar establishments. It is especially vital for businesses that supply large quantities of products and has become a rapidly growing sector in recent years.
1. Scope of the OHC Channel
The OHC channel encompasses all types of businesses that provide food service outside the home. This includes restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, fast food chains, catering companies, and other similar establishments. Airlines and cruise lines, which offer travel services, are also part of the OHC channel. Therefore, the OHC channel has become indispensable for the industry by providing a wide range of food and beverage products.
2. Principles of Operation of the OHC Channel
The OHC channel serves businesses that require large volumes and continuous product supply. Unlike products sold in supermarkets, this channel provides products designed for industrial use in large quantities. Businesses source the ingredients for the dishes on their menus from this channel. The speed and reliability of the OHC channel are crucial for customer satisfaction in these establishments.
Key features of the OHC channel include the safe and hygienic delivery of products, maintaining freshness, and high logistics speed. Particularly, cold chain logistics ensures that fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, seafood, and frozen foods reach consumers safely. In this regard, companies must collaborate closely with the OHC channel to ensure a continuous supply flow.
3. Main Customers of the OHC Channel
•Restaurants and Cafes: Major food products such as main ingredients for menu items, beverages, appetizers, and desserts are primarily supplied through the OHC channel.
•Hotels: All food and beverage products used in hotel restaurants, buffets, and room service are sourced from this channel.
•Catering Companies: Companies that provide large-scale events and mass meal services are among the biggest customers of the OHC channel.
•Healthcare Institutions: Healthy meals recommended by dietitians in institutions like hospitals and care centers are prepared using products sourced from this channel.
•Fast Food Chains: Fast food chains with large-scale operations heavily depend on the OHC channel for their material supply.
4. Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the OHC Channel
Logistics and supply chain management are fundamental cornerstones of the efficient operation of the OHC channel. It is essential that food products are delivered quickly and without spoilage. Logistics companies specialize in cold chain transportation, storage, inventory management, and distribution. Delivering products in a manner that preserves freshness increases customer satisfaction and ensures the uninterrupted continuation of daily operations for businesses.
5. Challenges and Future Expectations in the OHC Channel
One of the biggest challenges faced in the OHC channel is ensuring the continuity of fresh products and minimizing disruptions in the supply chain. Extraordinary situations such as natural disasters, pandemics, or economic crises can increase the vulnerability of this channel. Additionally, the constantly rising expectations regarding food safety, hygiene standards, and delivery speed compel companies operating in this channel to seek more dynamic and innovative solutions.