A pilot 'food hub' in Suffolk could revolutionise the way haulage companies deliver food to shops, restaurants and pubs.
Suffolk County Council (SCC) and private-public-sector partnership Choose Suffolk hope the consolidation centre for food items will reduce food miles, cut empty running and help beat the recession, as well as promote trade between suppliers.
SCC business development officer Yvonne Moores says the plans are at a very early stage but the pilot scheme should get funding in the next few weeks.
She adds: "It's the distribution that needs addressing. Food distribution is the main cost. Distributors want to work with us. They are running half-empty. What we believe is that the food industry is struggling so badly because of the recession.
"Local suppliers don't work together, but with a hub they can supply one large contract. Hopefully it's addressing a lot 
of barriers to growth."
Moores believes the food hub could be serviced by a mix of operators, not just one contractor.