The Business
Daifressh grows fresh fruit and vegetables in Spain and distributes it from bases in Spain, Hungary and Poland. It is responsible for having opened up new markets in Eastern and Central Europe for the export of fresh Spanish produce.
The Challenge
Because fresh produce is both heavy and delicate, Daifressh needed a pallet supplier that could safely handle the weight of its products while minimising damage. The company also wanted to move away from white pallet management.
The Answer
CHEP’s proposed managed pallet solution included using its operations in Eastern Europe to eliminate the customer’s involvement in pallet management, as well as safely transporting delicate produce. As a result, Daifressh signed an agreement for 1.4 million CHEP pooled pallets.
Specific solutions for the Iberian export market
David Cuenca Arbos, Vice President and Country General Manager for CHEP in Iberia, explains what CHEP offers in the region. “CHEP has a new focus in the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector, with a dedicated team and an easy service at a competitive price. Our single-fee initiative has a simplified invoice adapted specifically to this sector’s supply chain.”
Pallet demand in this sector varies according to the growing and packing seasons, and in the white exchange system, pallet shortages are common. CHEP, on the other hand, is able to meet seasonal demands, and guarantees a sufficient supply of pallets during peaks. It also has established operational procedures with the majority of retailers across Europe.
No more pallet management headaches
CHEP tailors its service according to the needs of each customer. For Daifressh, this includes managing as well as supplying pallets. Ana Claramunt, Daifressh Production Director, says: “One of our biggest problems was the recovery of pallets Now, thanks to the CHEP pooling system, we can focus on our business and achieve a competitive advantage and significant cost savings.”
CHEP is currently supporting a number of Spanish producers in marketing their products in Central Europe. Cuenca Arbos explains, “Our expansion into Eastern European countries was a direct response to requests from many CHEP customers, who were dealing with the inefficiencies and high costs of the white pallet exchange system.”
Helping companies meet sustainability goals
A recent life-cycle analysis showed that CHEP pallet systems provide better sustainability results than competitor schemes in Europe and that they generate the lowest wood consumption among wooden pallet systems. The CHEP way is inherently sustainable, since it is based on the reuse of pallets, while logistical efficiencies help reduce the number of trucks on the road, cutting CO2 emissions. Claramunt concurs, confirming that working with CHEP reinforces “our commitment to the environment, which is key to our company’s philosophy”.