IFCO opens new service hub in Morocco to drive export of sustainable fresh produce

MOROCCO – Munich-based provider of reusable packaging containers IFCO has announced the opening of its first service hub in Casablanca to support retail partners in importing fresh products from Morocco.

With this expansion, IFCO takes the lead in supporting its retail partners by enabling environmentally friendly imports of fresh produce from the northern African nation.

“We are delighted to expand our operations to Morocco, a source of fresh produce of growing importance to our retail partners,” said Michael Pooley, Chief Executive Officer at IFCO Systems.

“In addition to the general benefits of IFCO RPCs—like reduced CO2 emissions and food waste— ­­­we are now providing retailers and growers operating in Morocco with more sustainable packaging solutions and facilitating the procedures related to import and export procedures.

“Expanding our network of service centers to Northern Africa demonstrates our commitment to making the fresh-grocery supply chain more environmentally friendly and supporting our customers where needed.”’

While fresh produce from other European countries remains of immense importance to retailers, imports from Morocco are an increasingly important source of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The advantageous climate conditions in the country offer European distributors the opportunity to source fresh produce all year, enabling Morocco’s agricultural sector to continue growing.

Although both end users and retailers are demanding more environmentally friendly packaging solutions, most Moroccan produce is still imported in single-use packaging.

Retailers have long faced administrative obstacles to importing fresh produce from Morocco in reusable packaging, as no pooler has been represented in the country.

Now, IFCO is the first and only pooler to open a legal entity in Morocco, making it easier for its European retail partners to manage RPCs.

Dedicated to a more sustainable fresh grocery supply chain, IFCO also offers local support by lowering the administrative burden associated with RPC management.

This enables a more sustainable supply chain from growers in Morocco to the point of sale in European countries.

IFCO has been engaging with local authorities to streamline procedures for its customers reducing the administrative burdens associated with the import and export of IFCO RPCs and enabling local producers to serve their European clients.

For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.