Workshop: building better supply chains through collaboration

Today at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Connections conference in Auckland, CHEP will conduct a workshop on building better supply chains through collaboration and innovation.

Fred Heptinstall of IFCO Systems, Phillip Austin of CHEP Australia and New Zealand, and Mike O’Brien, CHEP New Zealand Country Manager will showcase a new in-store merchandising concept for re-usable plastic crates (RPCs), which was pioneered by IFCO North America. The trio will then invite feedback from conference delegates.

Launched in late 2013, the in-store displays have been well received by the North American fresh produce industry. According to the company, they are easy to use, clean, ship and store.

“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,” said Heptinstall.

L-R: Mike O’Brien, Phillip Austin and Fred Heptinstall with the RPCs.

“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,” said Austin, who is the President of CHEP Australia and New Zealand.

“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.”

For more information about the PMA Fresh Connections conference, click here.