IFCO with produce

IFCO has signed an agreement with The Cooperative Group to provide managed returnable plastic container (RPC) services for the supermarket’s fresh produce suppliers from later this year, in support of The Coop’s True North strategy to become the leading convenience retailer in the UK.

Paul Bennell, the retailer’s head of primary logistics, said: “The switch from company-owned nestable crates for fresh produce suppliers to IFCO’s managed, foldable crate solution was made in support of our strategy to focus on customers, provide simpler processes for stores and streamline end-to-end logistics”.

The switch is expected to cut food waste by 2 per cent by improving efficiency and avoiding losses resulting from the collapse of cardboard boxes due to moisture and other box damage, The Coop said.

“IFCO is honoured to have earned The Coop’s selection as RPC services provider,” said IFCO CEO Wolfgang Orgeldinger. “Our global infrastructure will enable greater efficiencies through standardisation of all fresh produce packaging, including imported products.”

Michael Meierhoefer, IFCO’s vice president of North and Central Europe, said The Coop’s decision to outsource its RPC business would enable the supermarket to cut costs and focus on its core retail business.

IFCO’s UK managing director, Chris Taylor, said: “IFCO’s large pool of Green Plus crates helps ensure availability for The Coop’s suppliers during seasonal peaks. In addition, our expansive portfolio of crate sizes allows us to meet the needs of all of the retailer’s store formats and sizes. Suppliers are able to choose the correct tray size for their products to minimise the transport of fresh air, remove cost and improve efficiency.”