At the beginning of May 2021, Fresh Logistics Polska and Auchan Retail Polska signed a partnership agreement on the provision of comprehensive logistics services - warehousing and distribution of fresh products in controlled temperature. Starting from June this year, the Fresh Logistics warehouse in Gądki near Poznań will become a regional warehouse for all suppliers of the retail chain, servicing Auchan shops in western Poland. Both companies emphasize the partnership nature of the agreement, which entails not only operational cooperation, but also joint development of solutions creating an optimal supply chain for such an important product group as fresh products.
The logistics platform to be provided by Fresh Logistics under the agreement is intended for such product categories as: fruit and vegetables, dairy products, cured meat products, ready-made meals, as well as meat and poultry. These products are particularly demanding in terms of logistics processes. Guaranteeing their freshness, high quality and above all safety, is crucial to Auchan's business strategy. Logistic operations will be carried out in a warehouse with an area of over 4,000 m2, with chambers having different temperature ranges adequate to the requirements of a given product group. Operations will be provided 7 days a week, and the monthly handled volume is over 24,000 pallets. Fresh Logistics Polska will serve over 200 suppliers of the Auchan chain.
Choosing the right partner-expert in this area - innovative, with the right infrastructure, resources and know-how - was an important strategic decision for us, says
Piotr Dopierała, Supply Chain & Logistics Director at Auchan Retail Polska. In the past year we had to face, above all, considerable logistics challenges caused by the epidemic. We passed the test well. At the same time, we carried out a number of optimization actions, developed a new strategy, and laid solid foundations for the creation of a fully professional, modern supply chain and logistics organization in our company. 2021 will be a very important period for us to implement the planned actions. I am convinced that Fresh Logistics Polska, as our partner, will significantly contribute to their success. I mean here not only the ongoing service, but also supporting us in implementing the latest technologies, such as automation of warehouse processes, digitalization of the information flow, tracking the flow of goods, the so-called traceability, and a number of others, which form the most modern logistic solutions, adequate to the expectations of modern customers and our business strategy.
The contract is fully in line with the development strategy of Auchan Retail Polska, which is based on omnichannel solutions. Creating new business models, e.g. in the area of e-commerce and convenience (the new Easy Auchan format), and investing in modernization of paths to purchase are the response to the dynamically changing market situation and customer needs.
“Working with Auchan creates new optimization perspectives for the entire supply chain. Thanks to direct cooperation with the chain, its suppliers and customers, we have a holistic view of the supply chain and thus an even greater influence on its formation. Creating new solutions, implementing lean management tools, and especially developing paperless logistics will bring profits to the whole market. The logistics platform of a retail chain entrusted to a logistics operator also opens up new opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers who, by using outsourcing services, can focus on their core business. We are glad that Auchan appreciated our lean approach and efforts to build modern and efficient logistics. For Fresh Logistics, cooperation with the chain means an opportunity for development, new challenges, but also great satisfaction that such a well-known and respected brand has trusted us.” – comment Marcin Turski, Sales and Customer Service Director, Fresh Logistics Polska, Raben Group