From grower to plate: how REO ensures the quality of fruit and vegetables with the right packaging
Every day, millions of kilos of fresh fruit and vegetables find their way from grower to customer. This is the amount of produce supplied each day by the REO growers’ cooperative. As the hub between hundreds of growers and an international market, everything revolves around quality, efficiency and reliability. And in all this, packaging plays a crucial role. Discover how REO uses Smart Packaging Solutions’ solid board packaging to guarantee that every product reaches the customer fresh, safe and with appeal.
700 growers, 250 million kilos of fruit and vegetables, one strong supply chain
REO is a cooperative of 700 Belgian growers who have joined forces to serve the market together. Each year, they supply and process roughly 250 million kilos of fresh fruit and vegetables, which amounts to almost 40 million packaging units. The main customers are large-scale distributors, exporters, propagators, wholesalers, retailers and specialist shops.
From sales and quality control to logistics, REO assumes a large share of the growers’ responsibilities. This allows growers to focus entirely on what they do best: growing high-quality fruit and vegetables.
From tomatoes to leeks: every product has different requirements
REO offers a huge selection of products, including greenhouse vegetables such as tomatoes and aubergines, chicory grown in the dark in a warehouse, and open-field vegetables like leeks and asparagus. Strawberry cultivation has also become far more important in recent years. Each product has different packaging needs. That’s why REO uses a variety of Smart Packaging Solutions’ packaging formats: from bottom-lid packaging for chicory to repun packaging for asparagus. The choice of packaging is determined by both product needs and logistical demands.
Strong, stackable and presentable
For REO, this means that packaging has to be sufficiently robust to withstand intensive transport and handling without sacrificing ease of use. At the same time, it must be easily stackable to ensure efficient storage and transport and prevent damage. Visual appeal is also important: the packaging is often the first point of contact with the product, so it’s vital that it projects a polished, professional image to the customer and the retail sector.
Why solid board makes the difference
REO’s decision to opt for solid board packaging was a very conscious one. Products like leeks and chicory are naturally moist. The PE coating on the solid board ensures the boxes are sturdy and robust, and able to withstand humid conditions. What’s more, solid board’s excellent recyclability is in line with REO’s sustainability objectives, where reuse is standard practice.
Flexibly adapting to demand
The fresh fruit and vegetable sector is dynamic. Market demand, weather, and seasons cause peaks and troughs. “In our sector, volumes can fluctuate significantly. That’s why it’s essential to partner with a supplier who can respond flexibly to demand. You can count on Smart Packaging Solutions for a steady and reliable supply of packaging.”
Our partnership embraces improvement and isn’t just about supplying
For REO, a strong partnership involves more than just supplying packaging. The cooperative expects a supplier to share ideas on packaging issues and opportunities for improvement.
According to REO, Smart Packaging Solutions stands out through a practical approach and swift, clear communication. By exploring applications and solutions together, the packaging continues to evolve and align with market needs.
The right packaging makes all the difference
REO and Smart Packaging Solutions’ collaboration highlights the vital role of packaging in the fresh produce supply chain. It offers product protection, facilitates efficient logistics, and elevates customer appeal. This leaves REO free to do what it does best: connecting growers and the market with fresh, premium produce.