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Due to a growing interest in locally produced food (LPF), there is a tendency of promoting local food systems. The ob-jective of this study was to investigate the existing flow of LPF from producers to consumers and develop a coordinated and efficient distribution system for producers in Halland region, Sweden. An integrated logistics network (ILN) em-bracing producers, retailers, a collection centre (CC) and a distribution centre (DC) was proposed. Data collection, location analysis and route optimisation analysis were conducted. Geographic information system (GIS) and Route LogiX software were utilised for the analyses. Four scenarios of food distribution were identified and analyzed. When compared to the existing system, the best scenario improved transport distance, time and number of routes up to 93%, 92% and 87% respectively. The distribution of LPF was integrated into large scale food distribution channel (LSFDC) and this could increase the sustainability of local food system

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Local food producers need to integrate within networks of suppliers, distributor, customers and community representatives in order to increase their competitiveness. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of an integrated food distribution network (IFDN) in Sweden. Location and route analyses were conducted using data of 11 producers, 149 customers and one distribution centre (DC). Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and location analysis techniques were utilized. Route analyses were done considering one non-integrated distribution system (scenario1) and three different integrated distributions systems (scenarios 2, 3 and 4). The results of location analysis indicated that the existing DC is located at best position. When compared to Scenario1, best improvements were gained in scenario3 i.e. up to 64% in number of routes, 53% in number of visits, 74% in transport distance and 63% in transport time. As a consequence, the emissions emanated from vehicles were reduced. The analyses gave insights into main implications of IFDN such as implication for logistics efficiency; implication for food and service quality; and implication for environmental sustainability of local food supply chain.