CHEP helps growers take a bigger bite of the export cherry

In an industry traditionally dominated by wooden crates and cardboard hat-bins, taking a chance on plastic has paid off for a cherry exporter.

The Caernarvon Cherry Co, based in Orange, NSW, made the switch after contacting CHEP for a solution. CHEP recommended the FB3 foldable plastic bins, which were designed specifically to preserve the integrity of softer fruits and vegetables. The Australian-made CHEP FB3 bin allows air TO flow through specially designed air vents and raised platforms, ensuring good air circulation even when the crates are stacked.

Prior to export, the cherries must undergo a cold disinfestation treatment for 14 days. However, the pulp temperature must be at least 1.11°C before the disinfestation process can begin. Co-owner of the Caernarvon Cherry Co Fiona Hall says using the FB3 bins means the cherries cool faster.

“The quicker the cherries cool, the longer the shelf life of the produce, the better they present in store and the sooner we can start the cold disinfestation process,” said Hall. “Ultimately, it means we can export a better quality product, sooner.”

An additional benefit of using the FB3 bins is that they can be hosed and washed out, unlike wooden crates, which has helped the Caernarvon Cherry Co achieve its Freshcare Certificate for Food Quality & Safety.

The CHEP FB3 bins are making quite an impact on the fresh produce industry, says Martin Rees, CHEP Business Development Manager.

“Made from high-quality, food-grade plastic, the FB3 lasts longer, is more durable and retains the integrity of the fruit better than wooden crates or the one-trip cardboard alternatives,” Rees said.

“As with other products in the CHEP pool, the bins provide customers with total flexibility. For example, growers have to purchase cardboard hat-bins in large quantities to be cost effective, whereas FB3 bins can be picked up on demand. This eases the uncertainty of overordering and being left with a need to store them or underordering that can cause issues down the supply chain.”

In addition, Rees says, the FB3 bins provide multiple transport efficiencies for local growers.

“The FB3s have a superior stacking configuration over their wooden or cardboard alternatives, and can be stacked up to five high in transport and 10 high in static storage,” Rees said. “This not only decreases the need for third-party storage but, in transport, substantially improves supply chain costs by reducing the number of trucks needed to move product.”

The Caernarvon Cherry Co has found the FB3 bins easier to manage compared to the wooden crates. “They have made it easier for us to streamline our processes, have saved us capital outlay and reduced our labour and handling costs,” Hall concludes.