It has been almost four years since Efrain Saucedo Nuñez established Fruta del Huerto in the Netherlands. That business also functions as San Jose Tropical's European sales office. San Jose Tropical is a Mexican lime producer. "Fruta del Huerto supplies several retailers," Efrain begins. "If you want to work well with supermarkets, you have to offer a broad package. It must include different packaging options."
"And you must be able to guarantee the products' quality. We used to work with other service providers. That didn't meet our needs, so we started doing it ourselves. We also wanted to be more personable and, especially, flexible. That's crucial when supplying supermarkets. We, therefore, set up EFF Logistics. First for ourselves, but now we want to start offering this service to retailers and overseas producers too."
Storage, customs clearance, sorting, packaging, and QC - the new company, The Fresh Fruit Managers, offers a wide range of services. "We started small with a few packing tables. Now we have several machines. We offer as many packaging choices as possible. And we plan to add more machines soon," Efrain continues.
"Our service is proving successful in the market. People are pleased with it and are increasingly sending more work our way. Overseas producers with European customers like that we're an independent broker. We not only arrange imports and do quality control. We also select the wares and packs and distribute further. We're capable of all that."
EFF Logistics will be relocating in November. "We'll have double the floor space, so have plenty of room to grow. We can also arrange the packaging line more efficiently at the new site. It makes good logistic sense to be in [the Dutch city of] Breda," says Efrain. EFF Logistics currently employs some 15 people.
However, during peak times, that easily reaches 40+. Efrain says finding staff is the biggest challenge. "That's something everyone has to face. That's why we're fully committed to automation. Every less body makes you less vulnerable in such a tough personnel market."
"Our advantage is that we have a decent network of overseas farmers. We supply supermarkets. So we know better than anyone their strict quality and certification requirements. We're also aware of market developments. For example, the trend of reducing plastic packaging in stores."
"Our company has a broad knowledge of imported fruit. Whether that be citrus, mangoes, avocados, grapes, or pineapple. Clients especially appreciate that we brainstorm with them. We have 25 years of combined experience in retail fruit import. So, we can offer the best-customized solution. Nothing against the big boys, but the bigger you get, the less personal it often becomes. We want to distinguish ourselves with customer friendliness, flexibility, and personal contact," Efrain concludes.
For more information:
Efrain Saucedo Nuñez
EFF Logistics
5325 IABC
4814 RB, Breda, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 763 032 934
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eff-logistics.com