Stater Bros. Markets, the largest privately-owned supermarket chain in Southern California, has expanded its long-term partnership with IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh food.
As part of the multi-year agreement, Stater Bros. will broaden its use of IFCO reusable packaging containers (RPCs) across a wider range of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The collaboration is designed to enhance operational efficiencies, boost sustainability efforts, reduce product shrink and food waste and elevate the freshness and quality of fresh produce available in stores.
IFCO and Stater Bros. evaluated the retailer’s fresh grocery supply chain. The process included in-depth assessments of stores and distribution centers, as well as consultations with key produce suppliers. As a result, opportunities were identified to improve product freshness, reduce costs and optimize workforce efficiency.
Transitioning to IFCO RPCs from single-use packaging for items such as carrots, corn, stone fruits, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and soft and wet vegetables ensures Stater Bros. has a safer, more stable and protective packaging solution during palletization, transportation and storage of fresh products.
The switch has been well received by growers. Given the option, more than 80 percent of Stater Bros. suppliers said they would choose IFCO RPCs to transport their fresh products.
Brian Sahargun, senior manager of produce at Stater Bros., highlighted the value of IFCO’s support and the efficiency benefits of the IFCO’s circular economy business model.
“As more of our fresh products are transported in IFCO RPCs, we can maximize the operational and sustainability benefits,” he said. “Their durability makes it easier to securely stack, store and transport fresh products more efficiently. This is an exciting development, as shown by the positive response of our key suppliers in choosing to use IFCO RPCs to transport their fresh products.”
[RELATED: Stater Bros. Adds Afresh Technology To All Produce Departments]
Jacob Cadwallader, director of produce at Stater Bros., also emphasized the positive impact on store operations and customer satisfaction.
“As we continue to reduce single-use packaging in our stores, we’re changing our store environment. Our teammates will spend less time in the back handling packaging waste but more time in the store with our customers, which is where they prefer to be,” Cadwallader said.
“Additionally, the highly ventilated and robust design of the IFCO RPCs ensures our products are kept fresher for longer, cutting down on shrink and waste. And it’s our customers who ultimately appreciate the results, which is consistently high-quality fresh produce in our stores.”
Stater Bros.’ core value is to provide “Fresh. Affordable. Community First.” grocery shopping, and its partnership with IFCO aligns with its mission by focusing on sustainable practices and operational excellence.
