A coffee with José Ramón Barca, Supply Chain Director at Alcampo

L&A: The balance between operational efficiency, sustainability, and customer experience is becoming increasingly complex. What improvements are you promoting to move toward more responsible and, at the same time, more competitive logistics?

José Ramón: For us, these three “strategic” pillars are not mutually exclusive, but interdependent. As I pointed out at the beginning of the interview, at Alcampo we interact constantly between all departments so that the decisions we make are aligned with the company’s strategies while taking into account the objectives of each department. In terms of operational efficiency, we are investing in advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) and transport management systems (TMS), along with the robotization of repetitive processes, to optimize movements and reduce costs.

In terms of sustainability, we are promoting the electrification of our delivery fleet and working to optimize loads and routes to minimize emissions. We are also pioneers in reducing food waste by improving demand forecasting and donations, among other solutions, and we are working to incorporate reusable packaging with a firm commitment to recycling materials. For the customer experience, these improvements translate into fresher products, faster and more reliable deliveries (both in-store and home delivery), and greater availability. For Alcampo, the goal is for a greener supply chain to also be a more agile chain that generates value for both the planet and the consumer.

L&A: Trade shows such as Logistics & Automation have become key spaces for connecting with new technologies, suppliers, and trends. How valuable are they for a company like Alcampo on its path toward more modern and flexible logistics?

José Ramón: In a sector as dynamic as ours, it is essential to stay abreast of the latest innovations and best practices in the market. These events offer us an unparalleled platform to: first, explore emerging technologies, from advanced robotics and AI solutions to optimization software, that could transform our operations. Second, connect with an ecosystem of suppliers and startups that are developing disruptive solutions. It’s not just about finding a supplier, but about establishing strategic alliances. And third, they allow us to observe market trends, understand how other industries are addressing similar challenges, and what new regulations or expectations are emerging. They are a catalyst for innovation, helping us refine our technology roadmap and ensure that our logistics remain at the forefront, adapting quickly to market demands.

L&A: And to wrap up this coffee chat… with your background in the retail sector, what inspires you about the future of the supply chain, and what changes would you like to see consolidated in the coming years so that retail remains accessible, efficient, and capable of responding to constantly evolving consumers?

José Ramón: What inspires me most, and what we are working on at Alcampo, is an increasingly intelligent and autonomous supply chain, driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning, capable of anticipating problems and adapting in real time. I imagine an ecosystem where demand forecasting continues to improve, inventories are managed dynamically, and the last mile responds to the real needs of our stores and customers. The change I would like to see consolidated is total integration and greater transparency throughout the entire chain, from the origin of the raw material to the final delivery to the customer. This would involve unprecedented collaboration between all players, sharing data to optimize resources, minimize environmental impact, and ensure quality and traceability. I would like to see a retail sector that, despite all this technology, remains accessible and capable of understanding and satisfying the individual needs of consumers, offering a shopping experience that combines digital efficiency, the warmth of human interaction, and social and environmental responsibility.