Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of avocados, fresh fruits and vegetables, launches the Laser engraving on handles. Driven by its Netherlands-based operations, this initiative eliminates the need for individual plastic PLU labels. After extensive testing and trials, the uniquely shaped laser-engraved handles have been introduced to customers across Europe.
Mathijs Benard, Operations Director Central Europe, who joined the Netherlands-based team in March this year and has been collaborating intensively with the German operations team, says: “Since joining Westfalia, my focus has been on improving collaboration and efficiency. The introduction of laser engraving, which is almost like a tattoo on the handle, has been an exciting project. Not only does it make the fruit stand out in the store, but it also has the potential to save up to 10 million plastic labels a year. What we can laser engrave on fruit is limited only by our imagination and the needs of the customers. Currently, we are engraving the origin of the fruit, the customer brand and the product reference.”
The laser project was a collaboration between Westfalia’s capabilities in the Netherlands and Germany to ensure that the quality and shelf life of the fruit was preserved. Customer feedback has been very positive and the plan is to expand the range across Europe in the near future.
