Optimal allocation plan for distribution centres of a frozen food company

In this paper, we analyse the distribution system of an Italian company operating in the ice cream and frozen food industry. In particular, we address the problem of optimally allocating products demand to distribution centres spread over the Italian territory and develop a mixed integer programming model. We present our computational experience in which the optimal solution is compared with the actual distribution policies and show how to use our model as a decision support tool for the company management