IFCO North America announced it has signed more than 130 growers to participate in its Wood Grain Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) program. IFCO Wood Grain RPCs are used to ship fresh produce to Walmart under an agreement reached with the world’s largest retailer in October.
“Our goal is to constantly improve the fresh food shopping experience for Walmart customers and IFCO is helping us meet that goal,” said Shawn Baldwin, Walmart Senior Vice President of Produce/Global Food Sourcing. “We are pleased to see IFCO Wood Grain RPCs penetrate the supply chain so quickly, and they are getting positive reviews from growers and customers alike.”
“In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, we are always looking for ways to expand our market share,” said Stephan Boutin, Grower Services Manager, L&M, a Raleigh, North Carolina based grower. “IFCO Wood Grain RPCs protect our produce, the increased airflow means our produce has a longer shelf life, and we know consumers will like them as much as we do.”
“IFCO’s Wood Grain RPC business with Walmart expands on a partnership that began in 2000. Today, millions of RPCs are shipped for Walmart and its growers, including 1.5 million Wood Grain RPCs,” said Daniel Walsh, President of IFCO North America. “We are delighted to provide Walmart with IFCO RPCs that meet their needs. Only a company with IFCO’s scale and resources is uniquely positioned to meet demands and deliver results year after year.”
Last October, IFCO and Walmart announced IFCO will supply the world’s largest retailer with newly designed Wood Grain RPCs for its wet and dry produce, initially including apples, potatoes, onions and citrus items.
“Whether we’re talking about Wood Grain or Black RPCs, IFCO RPCs are more efficient, cost effective, sustainable and protect fresh produce better than single-use packaging, such as corrugated cardboard. Research shows consumers in the United States and around the world prefer RPCs for fresh produce packaging,” concluded Mr. Walsh.
IFCO has a strong commitment to supporting local economies, companies and workers in the marketplaces where it does business whenever possible. IFCO’s Wood Grain RPCs are 100% sourced and manufactured in the USA. In addition, IFCO Wood Grain RPCs are cleaned and sanitized at one of six U.S. service centers throughout their life cycle.
Source: IFCO North America
