CPR System's turnover exceeded €50 million (last year it was slightly below €48 million) and the number of members grew to 1077. In addition, there was a 15% increase in minibins and an 11.1% increase in pallets. 
CPR Systemìs turnover trend. Click here to enlarge. (Source CPR System)
There seem to be various reasons behind this growth. President Maura Latini reported how "the company has a unique corporate model where producers and distributors are reunited in the board of directors." The cooperative gathers a thousand producers as well as 54 distributors such as Coop, Conad, Pam, Bennet, Gigante, Selex, Sigma, Sisa and 3A.
Maura Latini, President of CPR System.
"In addition, we worked on being efficient and effective without lowering the level of the service provided." 2015 saw the first effects of the development plan approved in 2014 by the new board of directors.
Group photo after presenting CPR System's 2015 balance sheet. Left to right: general director Monica Artosi, managing director Francesco Avanzini, president Maura Latini, and vice-president Gianni Amidei.
CPR Servizi, a service company whose 51% was controlled by CPR System, was turned into FCLog, whose 70% is controlled by it. It is a new company that "no longer manages only warehouses but also has a commercial department to approach new markets." What is more, a series of activities was implemented to make handling more efficient.
The presentation of CPR System's 2015 balance sheet. Left to right: general director Monica Artosi, managing director Francesco Avanzini, president Maura Latini, and vice-president Gianni Amidei.
"We are now studying systems to book loading and unloading slots to invest on quicker handling. In 2015 we tested table grape harvesting and this year we will also test cherries."
Monica Artosi, general director of CPR System.
A new crate washing plant was also set up in Gallo and a new structure was built in Aprilia. For what concerns environmental sustainability, recycling has increased, as old and/or broken crates are used to produce new ones. In addition, thanks to a photovoltaic panel system, the cooperative now produces 27% of the electricity it needs.
The green crates used by CPR.
"We are working with distributors on new displays that have the same logistics but are prettier to look at." This means the cooperative is working to change the way fruit and vegetables are arranged in the usual green crates.
Francesco Avanzini, managing director for CPR System and sales director for Conad.
But what about the future? Francesco Avanzini explains that "the approach to vegetables has changed and so the trend is positive for this sector. However there is a lot to do to improve production and distribution. We will need to listen to what customers want."
"2015 was the first time ever the consumption of vegetable proteins increased while that of animal proteins dropped. We believe we could grow a lot but, to do so, we need to change the way supply is carried out."
Author: Andrea Minghelli
Copyright: www.freshplaza.it