MUNICH, GERMANY - IFCO is taking strategic steps to amplify its service center network across the United Kingdom (UK). As part of this ambitious expansion plan, the industry ally has established two new state-of-the-art service centers, located in key locations that serve as central transportation hubs for the company.

"This strategic investment reflects our long-term commitment to the UK market and our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” said IFCO Chief Executive Officer Michael Pooley. “It marks a significant milestone in our company's expansion and ongoing efforts to deliver innovative, sustainable packaging solutions and superior customer service."

The new facilities include a new service center in Glasshoughton, West Yorkshire, which opened in March 2024 and spans an area of 14,190 square meters.

The company also introduced a new service center and operational headquarters in Coventry in the West Midlands, which opened in April 2024. The building spans an area of 30,270 square meters.

As a press release noted, this expansion is aimed at enhancing customer service, boosting operational efficiency through automation, and supporting sustainable practices in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland.

"Combined, our service centers in the UK have an extended capacity of servicing over 400 million units per year. This enables IFCO to meet the future growth needs of existing and future customers. By upgrading and enlarging our facilities, we aim to provide them with better service, higher quality, and increased operational efficiency," explains Dirk Schaich, IFCO's Supply Chain Director for Northern Europe.

The energy-efficient service centers are equipped with state-of-the-art wash lines, centrifugal drying, and advanced automation technologies, and IFCO's proprietary SmartGuardian™ guarantees all processes across the automated system uphold stringent international sanitation requirements.

How will the company continue to strengthen its growing network? Stay tuned to ANUK for the latest updates.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Consumers are breaking out the barbecues and getting ready for some warm weather cookouts. Side Delights® BBQ-friendly Petite potatoes and Prime Select Russet potatoes serve as cost-effective, healthy, and time-saving options for celebrating upcoming holidays at home.

"BBQ is king with summer holidays,” noted Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Solutions Network, the parent company of Side Delights. “It is also queen as more women master grilling and appreciate speed hacks since they typically prepare the rest of the meal too.”

The Fourth of July is the most popular holiday for BBQ, followed by Memorial Day and Labor Day, a press release stated. As Memorial Day approaches, retailers can prepare accordingly, with data showing that 76 percent of consumers who celebrate Memorial Day say they consume their holiday meals at home and must stock up on their favorite grilling items.

Potatoes are well positioned as vegetables move from a grilling side dish to the main course. Meat faces competition with younger generations, as studies show that Gen Z is trending away from traditional protein sources, opting for healthier and/or vegetarian choices, the release noted.

“Grilling with Side Delights potatoes is healthy, fast, and easy,” noted Triou. “There is no peeling needed—just cut them in half or put them on a skewer to cook on the top rack along with the meat.”

As a time-saving hack, Side Delights recommends microwaving the Petite potatoes for three minutes before placing them on the grill. Side Delights also offers Prime Select Russet potatoes pre-washed, same-size spuds for equal cooking time convenience.

Looking to grill up some potato sales this summer? Side Delights could be the partner for you.

ORONDO, WA - A boost in cherry supplies is coming down the pike, as Gee Whiz Fruit recently announced an increase in yield. The supplier has doubled the volume of fresh cherry shipments available to United States retailers this summer and for the first year will be offering program volumes to the domestic market including early Rainiers, Rainiers, Cristalinas, and Black Pearl.

“We are proud of the global reputation the Gee Whiz brand has earned for our luxe fruit quality,” said Brian Traum, Director of Sales and Marketing. “With each new season, we push ourselves to think beyond standard industry practices to deliver the most exceptional eating experience for our shoppers. Our team is excited to have the ability to serve more of the North American retail market with this additional cherry acreage.”

According to a press release, Gee Whiz cherries are known for their standout flavor due to unique growing practices. 

These include the strategic use of shade cloth across all cherry acreage, hand thinning of each tree to yield larger fruit size, and a signature trellis system that also drives fruit growth, allowing for perfect spacing, ideal light, and optimal air circulation.

The first shipments of Gee Whiz cherries will start hitting retail stores the week of June 17 and are expected to ship through the first week of August.

We can’t wait to see these cherries hit the shelves!