Food Chain Intelligence (FCI) is an Australian-based, niche consultancy firm founded in 2007 by Silvia Estrada-Flores, Principal Consultant.

FCI creates value for its clients, through the provision of expert technical advice, creative problem-solving and strategic intelligence on the implementation and management of perishables supply chains.

Our clients are organizations working at any stage of the food supply chain, from growers to consumers. Our value proposition varies depending on our clients' needs and can encompass economic, environmental and social benefits.

The following core values are the foundations of each project we undertake:

• Strategic thinking
• Enthusiasm and dedication
• A pragmatic approach to business
• Integrity and honesty
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving

About our consultants

Silvia Estrada-Flores holds a PhD from Massey University (New Zealand) and a Graduate Certificate in Food Business Management from Monash University (Australia).

Our services reflect Silvia's background in food engineering, refrigeration and commercial R&D. Silvia has over 17 years of experience working in areas such as:

• Assessing the penetration and impact of emerging technologies in food chains.
• Safety and quality during the distribution of perishables, including risk analyses pinpointing the weakers links in perishable supply chains.
• Performance evaluation of refrigerated equipment (land-based and transport).
• Technology roadmaps.
• Feasibility of emerging industries such as waste-derived bioactives.

In 2008 Silvia was awarded the Logistics Development Award, awarded by the Logistics Association of Australia and sponsored by CHEP Asia Pacific.

Memberships:

• International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), Commission D2.
• Logistics Association of Australia (LAA).
• Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP, USA).
• Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP, USA).

Recent Committees and Working Groups:

2010: Vice-President of the IIR working party on energy labelling in the cold chain.

2010: Member of the IIR working party on cold chain for pharmaceutical products.

2009: Delegate on the Smarter Food Leadership Forum, hosted by AFGC and IBM.

2009-2010: Scientific Committee of the 1st International IIR Cold Chain Conference.

2008: FAO/WHO Expert Group on Leafy Green Vegetables and Herbs.

Published work:

Refer to Book Chapters and Papers, Conference Proceedings and Posters and Presentations for further details.