global innovations in fresh produce merchandising at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Connections conference in Auckland today.The equipment pooler’s workshop on ‘building better supply chains through collaboration and innovation’ packs a punch, featuring insights from Brambles stable mate, IFCO Systems’ Senior Vice President, Global Business Development, Fred Heptinstall, CHEP Australia & New Zealand President Phillip Austin and CHEP New Zealand Country Manager, Mike OBrien.
The trio were set to showcase a new in-store merchandising concept for reusable plastic crates (RPCs) pioneered by IFCO North America, and will invite feedback from conference delegates.
Phillip Austin said, “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.
“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.”
Launched in late 2013, the in-store displays which are easy to use, clean, ship and store, have been well received by the North American fresh produce industry.
Fred Heptinstall said, “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.”
Growers and retailers are invited to register their interest in trialing the solution at the CHEP display booth or by contacting 13 CHEP (13 2437).
