Since 2008, Eastwest Fresh Services & Logistics GmbH has developed into an established partner for international fruit and vegetable producers. With a clear focus on independence, quality, and customized services, the company is now an established player in the European fresh produce trade.
"We never wanted to trade ourselves, but rather to be a neutral, trustworthy service provider for our customers," says Josef Wieser, managing director of Eastwest. "Only if we have no vested interest in trading fruit and vegetables can our customers be sure that we will treat their goods with the same care as they do themselves."
© Eastwest Fresh Services & Logistics
The building in Sieringhofen – The photovoltaic system was expanded from 200 kWp to 310 kWp in 2022.
From wholesale location to logistics hub
Originally founded in response to structural changes in wholesale, Eastwest now takes advantage of the infrastructure benefits of the former wholesale location in Sierninghofen. With around 40 employees spread across administration, warehousing, and packaging, the company offers a broad portfolio: storage under optimal temperature conditions, quality controls with documentation, sorting and repackaging of defective goods, and packaging of loose goods according to customer requirements. Eastwest is certified according to IFS Food, IFS Logistics, and BIO.
"Our modular services are primarily aimed at international suppliers who supply the Austrian trade and neighboring markets," explains Wieser. Eastwest has recently even started operating as the official logistics hub for a large Austrian discounter. "This is a new chapter for us. We can now contribute even more specifically to optimizing the processes between retailers and suppliers."
© Eastwest Fresh Services & Logistics
State-of-the-art technology and first-class infrastructure on 4,000 m² of storage space
Strategically advantageous location with regional support
The location in central Upper Austria offers clear advantages for fresh produce logistics. "We are not directly connected to a highway," admits Wieser, "but that is precisely what protects us from the typical traffic jams in conurbations, which is a decisive advantage for time-critical goods." At the same time, employees benefit from the proximity to nature and short commutes to work.
The company's regional roots are also reflected in its sustainable approach: electricity for the cooling systems is generated by its own photovoltaic system, and heating is provided by regional wood chips, some of which come from the company's own forestry operations.
© Eastwest Fresh Services & Logistics
Eastwest has its own packing station and specialized staff who carefully weigh and pack loose goods.
Stability despite industry challenges
Despite issues such as a shortage of drivers and rising transport expenses, Eastwest remains stable. "We award our transport contracts to long-standing partners who deal professionally with the driver shortage," says Wieser. The company also relies on transparent communication when it comes to diesel prices, CO₂ taxes, and toll increases: "We pass on unavoidable cost increases to our customers in a fair and cooperative manner."
A key issue in fresh produce logistics remains the unbroken cold chain – this is where Eastwest scores with its sophisticated internal processes. "If goods need to be removed from cold storage for sorting or packaging, this is only done for a short time and under controlled conditions," emphasizes Wieser.
© Eastwest Fresh Services & Logistics
Experience and expertise are used to create the ideal storage conditions, considering the respective temperature requirements and ethylene sensitivity of the goods.
Change in retail: More packaging, new requirements
Over the years, not only the company but also the market has changed. Requirements have increased, especially in the retail sector: "In the packaging sector, we are seeing a clear trend toward private label branding, which means that the goods must be clearly packaged for specific customers at the point of origin."
In particular, the volume in the berry sector is growing. "Producers have invested heavily in quality and availability here," says Wieser. There is also movement in the market for packaging solutions: top-seal and cardboard trays are gaining in importance, but classic flow packs have not yet disappeared.
© Eastwest Fresh Services & Logistics
In addition to transport and storage, Eastwest also offers a wide range of packaging solutions.
When asked about plans for the next three to five years, Wieser has clear goals: "We want to further strengthen our position as a leading service provider in Austria and at the same time examine whether expansion abroad or new locations make sense." The focus is always on close cooperation with retailers as the link between producers and consumers.
The issue of food appreciation is also high on Eastwest's agenda: "We are delighted that our work is helping to reduce the amount of goods that have to be disposed of and to ensure that end customers receive consistently high quality."
Further investments in packaging technology are also planned, but on one condition: "We need a clear perspective on what cooperation with the retail trade will look like in the future," Wieser concludes.
For more information: 
Josef Wieser
EASTWEST Fresh Services & Logistics GmbH
Wagnerstrasse 20
A-4523 Sierninghofen
Phone: +43 7259 31550-300
[email protected]
www.eastwest-sped.com
