Dutch vegetable wholesaler Versland Selection specializes in leafy vegetables and radishes. It does sales for a group of about 120 vegetable growers. These are mainly in the Netherlands and Belgium. Versland also has farmers in France, Spain, and Italy. That's to meet the year-round demand for all these crops.
These products have to be distributed every day. That's between the producers, distribution center, and buyers. To enable this, Schiphorst has supplied 350,000 folding crates to Versland Selection. These Clever-Fresh-Box are in 600x400x230 mm and 600x400x180 mm sizes.
Half of Versland's vegetables go to processors. The other half finds its way to retailers, wholesalers, and exporters. "Versland's strength is in its delivery flexibility," says Ed Koelewijn, Versland Selection's Director.
“Each sales channel has its own fresh vegetable delivery requirements. Either for packaging (own crates, cardboard, pool crates, etc.) or the product itself. One customer may want the product only pre-rinsed, another wants it washed. One requires the product loose in the crate."
"Yet another needs it already packaged. Versland anticipates this and delivers what the client wants. The supplied products' quality, however, remains a constant. Versland guarantees daily fresh, premium high-quality products," explains Ed.
Versland ensures it has a continual folding crate supply. That so they can distribute all these products problem-free. And guarantee consistent quality. These crates are available in all its distribution channels' phases. Versland now has about 350,000 folding crates in circulation.
Circulating own folding crates
Two years ago, Versland decided to switch from pool crates to its own crate network. Versland rotates its crates often. So, having their own proves more economical than renting crates. Versland decided to use Schiphorst's Clever Fresh Box. "We tested several models. Schiphorst's folding crate emerged as the best value-for-money one. These crates are easy to fold and unfold. They also offer a high carrying capacity. And are light and handy to use," concludes Ed.
When folded, the Clever Fresh Box uses 83% less space. That makes a significant difference in how much empty space the crates occupy when returned. The Clever Fresh Box has a perforated base and sides. The narrow slot perforation allows air circulation. That keeps the vegetables in the crate thoroughly cool. These perforations are designed not to leave any marks on the products either.
The crates have integrated label holders. So you can easily attach labels to them. That also eliminates the need for stickers that leave that annoying sticky residue. The crate offers provisions for in-mold barcoding too. The crates are equipped with a patented lift-lock system. That guarantees the crates' corners are securely locked when it's unfolded.
Unique product
Versland's crates were produced in blue and have an embossed logo. That allows for easy identification. The crates are made of food-grade PP. So, they can be fully recycled at the end of their service life into reusable granulate. This is used to manufacture new crates.
These collapsible crates' logos don't have to be embossed. They or text print can be hot stamped or screen printed too. There are also various color options to match a company's corporate identity.
For more information:
Vincent Wesseldijk
Schiphorst
Tel: +31 (0) 570 622 944
Email: sales@schiphorstbv.nl
Website: www.schiphorstbv.nl
Versland Selection
641 ABC Westland
2685 DH, Poeldijk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 174 287 715
Email: info@versland.com
Website: www.versland.com