Reflections from #TPM25: The Future of Supply Chain Lies in True Interoperability

Just wrapped up a whirlwind visit to #TPM25, where the brightest minds in global trade and logistics converged to tackle everything from Red Sea rerouting to AI-powered logistics—and, let’s be real, to collect an impressive haul of branded stress balls and premium exhibitor swag.

Amid the high-energy discussions and deal-making, a few standout moments underscored just how high the stakes are in our industry. The special session on human trafficking was a sobering reminder that our industry moves more than just cargo; it carries an immense responsibility to ensure ethical and secure supply chains. Similarly, John Bolton’s keynote brought geopolitical complexities into sharp focus, showing how global conflicts and shifting alliances directly impact trade, logistics, and supply chain security.

Cold Chain Realities: The Disconnect That’s Holding Us Back

One of the most striking discussions came during Tuesday’s cold chain panel, where Walmart’s logistics leadership candidly admitted they’re “still waiting for that 90% on-time reliability” while carriers explained their ongoing forecasting challenges. This moment crystallized a fundamental disconnect in our industry—one that goes beyond technological innovation or supply chain optimization.

The reality? The Supply Chain of the Future isn’t just about smarter ships or faster ports—it’s about true system interoperability. Without harmonized standards (like those from GS1, ASTM, and ISO) spanning the entire ecosystem, we’re simply putting digital lipstick on an analog pig.

The future of global trade is clear: companies that resist industry-wide standardization will struggle to compete. Within the next 24 months, businesses clinging to proprietary systems will begin to lose market share as interoperability becomes the defining factor in supply chain efficiency. By 2027, the gap between industry survivors and shuttered operations will be determined by their ability to adopt harmonized standards, ensuring seamless communication and data-sharing across the entire ecosystem. Meanwhile, AI and predictive analytics have the potential to revolutionize supply chain resilience, but their success hinges on one critical factor—standardized data. Without it, even the most advanced technologies will fall short, leaving companies vulnerable to inefficiencies and disruptions in an increasingly complex global marketplace.

AgriMundo Podcast: Insights from TPM25

We’ll be diving deeper into these insights in an upcoming AgriMundo podcast episode, highlighting Will Cavan and Clark Brandon’s visit to this essential trade show. From cold chain logistics to AI-driven supply chain solutions, we’ll explore what these trends mean for tropical fruit cultivators, international cargo carriers, and the future of global trade.

Stay tuned for expert interviews and firsthand takeaways from #TPM25!

Until then, one thing is clear: our industry’s next chapter will be written by those who embrace collaboration, interoperability, and forward-thinking leadership. The question is—who will rise to the challenge?