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Getting supply chains ready for the Christmas rush

Member Matters

Getting supply chains ready for the Christmas rush

17 September 2025

The lead-up to Christmas is always the busiest time of year for FMCG supply chains. Distribution centres are stretched, and the risk of non-conformance issues rises sharply.

To keep things running smoothly, it’s important to follow the industry guidelines that help streamline processes, cut down on costly mistakes, and reduce inefficiencies when demand peaks.

The Trading Partner Forum (TPF) has developed practical, open-source resources to help businesses boost compliance and performance through the season, including:

  • Common Delivery Guidelines for Industry (CDGfI): A key reference guide that sets out shared expectations across Australia’s three major retailers. Download here
  • Pre-Despatch Checklist: A step-by-step tool to streamline pre-dispatch and support onboarding and training. Available here
  • One-Page Guides: Quick-reference resources tackling the most common and impactful non-conformance issues. Available here

All these resources, and more, are available on the new TPF website. They’re free to access and highly relevant for suppliers, transport partners, and copackers across the value chain.

Take a look, share them with your teams, and get set for a smoother Christmas season.
If you’d like to get involved with the TPF or learn more, please reach out to Samuel.garcia@afgc.org.au