ate, IFCO Systems’ senior vice president, global business development, Fred Heptinstall, together with CHEP Australia & New Zealand president Phillip Austin, and CHEP New Zealand country manager, Mike Obrien will be showcasing a new in-store merchandising concept for reusable plastic crates (RPCs) pioneered by IFCO North America.The trio will be providing insights on the new systems, as well as inviting feedback from growers and conference delegates.
Austin says that he is excited to showcase the RPCs which have been well received by the North American fresh produce industry since their launch in late 2013.
“The Australian and New Zealand fresh produce industry and the retail community are looking for innovative new ways to stimulate growth, and deliver a better customer experience in the retail environment,” says Austin.
“Fresh Connections is the ideal forum in which to showcase new innovations, particularly those designed to increase sales. These new solutions build on decades of proven capability, our multiple generations of new product releases – including, since the last Fresh Connections, the Lift Lock Crate in New Zealand and the Gen 3 Crate in Australia - and our proven ability to deliver better supply chains through lower logistics costs, lower produce damage and improved store replenishment.
“We’re excited to be able to invite direct feedback from Australian and New Zealand growers over the course of the conference and engage with those interested in market trials.”
Fred Heptinstall said that IFCO’s RPC merchandising solutions were developed through a collaborative effort between retailers and their fresh suppliers.
“The objective was to find the right transport packaging solution that would integrate in-store merchandising strategy, deliver superior quality and with the lowest supply chain cost,” he said.
The Fresh Connections conference takes place in Auckland today 25 June, 2014.
