“Unfortunately, data quality is still not top of the list of the fresh sector. That’s a shame, because data quality is needed to further professionalise the supply chain. That’s why GS1, Frug I Com and GroentenFruit Huis, in cooperation with retailers, will organise information meetings for the sector. We have to make a ‘switch’ as a sector, waiting any longer isn’t an option anymore,” says Radbout Buijs, ERP manager of Nature’s Pride. He sees data quality as the lifeblood for a robust and flexible supply chain in the fresh produce sector. That’s why he’s closely involved with product (master) data projects within Nature’s Pride. As Member of the Board of Frug I Com, he is a member of the GS1 Data Source steering committee, and he is active on EU level within GS1 Europe.
Radbout, let’s start with Nature’s Pride. Can you tell us a bit more about ‘your’ company?
“Definitely, Nature’s Pride is supplier of over 500 unique types of fruit and vegetables from more than 70 countries. From ready-to-eat to exotics to the best berries and so-called off-season products. We pack and transport these products to retailers and other buyers (Food service, wholesalers, and others) in Northwestern Europe. The largest markets are the Netherlands, Germany and Norway. Besides packing, we also take care of the ripening process for avocados and mangoes. To that end, we have a large number of ripening cells at our disposal. It’s the largest ripening facility for avocados and mangoes in Europe. That’s how we can deliver our products to our customers ready-to-eat.”
How important is data quality for the fresh chain?
“Correct, complete and up-to-date product data is essential for our sector. Firstly, our customers, especially in retail, require that logistical and transactional data is correct. That makes sense, because incomplete or incorrect data can lead to disruptions in the supply chain; a pallet that doesn’t fit in the distribution centre, for example, or an incorrect bar code that could lead to disruptions in the shop. Not just retailers require correct data. EU legislation also requires that product data, such as label information, is available online for consumers for the online sales as well. That way, they can be correctly informed about nutrients, allergens, and so on. When this information is ‘chained’ to a product, (online) retailers can use that on their site without too much trouble.”
Can you also name some specific advantages for companies such as Nature’s Pride? As an importer and exporter you are a vital link between producer and retailer.
“When you want to further optimise processes, you need correct data about the product, the packing and the pallets. Besides, you clear the way for automated processes, such as ordering, billing and forecasting. Especially forecasting and replenishing are interesting for the business to better and faster anticipate market demand. When you know exactly where which products are in the supply chain, you can better push back matters such as out-of-stock and spoilage. I also see advantages in the communication towards consumers. When a supplier and/or retailer wants to be able to guarantee data and product quality, they can be one up. After all, consumers are increasingly interested in things such as organic cultivation, origin, social certifications, et cetera.”
But fresh is a different kettle of fish compared to a pack of coffee, especially for Nature’s Pride, which trades hundreds of different products.
“That’s right, the fresh supply chain can’t be compared to dry groceries. We, and our competitive colleagues, source products from all over the world, and export (part of) them. Fresh produce in particular is a pre-eminently international business. These products often vary in size and type. One particular berry could have 15 varieties of which the country of origin can be different for each variety. This is because many products aren’t available from one area year-round. Anyway, we are working hard in the sector to standardise things such as size sorting so that we can categorise types of fruit within a certain band width. In some cases, such as tangerines or a bunch of bananas, sizes play no part on consumer level, but it does at the trade level. Because these products are packaged in bundles, nets for example, we use weight as a product parameter.”
You would expect data quality to be one of the priorities within the fresh sector. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case everywhere. Why is that?
“It’s mostly a matter of becoming aware. We’ll therefore start informing companies about the necessity of making this theme an item on the agenda, and to then get started with it. We’re doing that through information sessions organised by GS1, Frug I Com, retail and GroentenFruit Huis in May and June, among other things. I would advise everyone to visit these, because you get to catch up with all the latest developments in a relatively short time. For example, GS1 Nederland launched the programme DataKwaliTijd 2.0 last year, which helps companies to improve data quality. The aim is to be 100 per cent faultless. Companies, both domestic and abroad, have to invest in data quality. The Dutch fresh produce sector has insisted on an even playing field. When foreign companies export to Dutch retailers, they’ll also have to meet the same requirements, but in phases. If they don’t, an unfair competition advantage is created.”
And finally, what’s your personal involvement in this topic?
“I think it’s a challenge to simplify and automate complex processes in such a way that company processes are better and smoother. In the end, we all have to learn from our mistakes or inadequacies to remain competitive in our sector. I also see that in a broader context, which is why I’m active in both GS1 Nederland and at European level as well.”Source: GS1 Nederland