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WHEN MOVING PRODUCE, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BASE
Pallets may come in various types and sizes, but it’s the bottom line that matters most. BY BOB JOHNSON
The desire to shave every penny possible from the cost of moving produce from the field to the retailer’s shelf is having its impact even on the wooden or plastic pallets used to carry cases of fruits and vegetables to the distribu- tion center and on to individual stores.
According to the Peerless Research survey of pallet use, 2017 Pallet Market Evaluation Study, purchase price has been the No. 1 Economy is a constant priority and must be included in any discussion of the best tool for the job of supporting the load. More and more suppliers are finding demand for models sized to fit the load or even to fit through the back door of smaller retail outlets.
LESS IS MORE
One cost-saving trend a number of providers see is toward smaller models, frequently just half the “standard” size.
38 / APRIL 2018 / PRODUCE BUSINESS
PHOTO COURTESY OF GERAWAN FARMING
“We continue to see smaller pallets like the CHEP 40-inch by 24-inch half pallet growing in the market place,” says Brandon D’Emidio, director of product management & innovation at CHEP, Orlando, FL. “These platforms are being utilized as a store fulfillment solution that helps both customers and retailers reduce labor, reduce out-of-stocks, and drive increased sales. They are a great platform to help increase promotional sales.”
These economy-sized models can be particularly suitable for smaller stores, both because they can carry smaller loads and because they can fit through narrower doorways.
“Retailers are shifting from large-format to small-format stores,” says Ryan Roessler, plastic pallet product manager at Orbis, Milwaukee. “As more retailers make this adjustment, the demand for more accommodating merchandising, storage and distribution solu- tions grows. Small-format pallets — sized 42” x 30” — allow retail