In The Spotlight Food logistics 2016 by Promedia/NT Publishers bv

Dutch Logistics Special January 2016

t h g i l t o p S e h t In

F RUC H T H A NDEL MAGAZINE

foreword

tlight o p S e h t In

For many traders, the IPO of the bank ABN AMRO last month marked the return of a company with a long Dutch tradition. After all, ABN AMRO came into existence in 1991 following the merger of two major banks, one of which was the Algemene Bank Nederland (ABN). ABN was the successor to the Nederlandse Handelschmaatschappij, an institute founded by King William I which some consider to be the successor to the Dutch East India Company (VOC in Dutch). It also served the very same purpose as the VOC: make the Netherlands prosperous through the import of and trade in colonial goods. For many centuries coffee, cane sugar and spices were at the heart of our country’s wealth. And even back then, all these goods already had to be transported via the global East-West route. Saying that the strong domestic and international position of Dutch companies in today’s logistics food cluster dates back to the colonial era might be too strong a statement.

But the fact still remains that our country is in the vanguard when it comes to innovative logistics solutions and services surrounding the broad concept of ‘food’. Regardless, the country’s long tradition in the field of agriculture and horticulture and its very solid position as a transport and export hub come together perfectly in food logistics. Innovative solutions entail more than just optimally conditioned transport or the most efficient handling of products; they also require strategies to make the logistics process as sustainable as possible. Dutch companies, from established parties with a long history to start-ups, will gladly introduce themselves to you in this Spotlight.

Mels Dees Editor-in-Chief Nieuwsblad Transport

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

contents TempSen measuring equipment: reliable cold chain logistics

Frugi Venta / GroentenFruit Huis: Seizing opportunities through increased cooperation

6 |9 Cargo from A to B? VDH Company

organises everything from A to Z

ADB Cool Company and Opticool: partners within the AGRO Merchants Group

14 |15

DL Logistics Group stands behind its product

Discovering the advantages of Zeeland Seaports

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

otlight In the Sp

One-stop service for the worldwide logistics of fruit and vegetables

12 Kloosterboer to open logistics centre for fresh products in Rotterdam Cool Port

Eurofrigo brings the world within reach

Artmarine: a fitting solution for every transport requirement

Fast claims handling is the hallmark of Centraal Beheer

18 |19 Reefer Sales Europe provides tailor-made refrigeration solutions

In the Spotlight Food Logistics is a publication of NT Publishers B.V., P.O. Box 200, 3000 AE Rotterdam, The Netherlands General Manager: Michel Schuuring, Publishing Manager: Arie van Dijk Sales Manager: Yves Vermeulen, Design: Marijke Klos, Coordination: Diana Kamp Editors: Mels Dees, Erik Stroosma,Translation: Dean Harte Printer: Flyers Online, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Distribution: with Nieuwsblad Transport (Netherlands) and various trade fairs. ÂŠ NT Publishers B.V. Rotterdam, January 2016, www.ntpublishers.nl Tel. +31 (0)10 280 10 25

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

Seizing opportunities thro increased cooperation

Ask Peter Verbaas how the Dutch fruit and vegetable sector can strengthen its position and he will effortlessly provide various suggestions. These all have one single element in common: cooperation. “We can only truly start seizing opportunities if companies start cooperating more,” says the deputy director of Frugi Venta and GroentenFruit Huis. “A lot can also still be gained in terms of logistics in that respect.”

“Cooperation is at the heart of the strong position of the Netherlands,” Verbaas explains. “If you live below sea level, you can only keep your feet dry by working together. Our ancestors have proven that quite a lot can be accomplished through cooperation. What was true then is still true now, also for Dutch potatoes, vegetables and fruit. Competitive markets are rapidly developing and could overtake us. To prevent this, companies will have to cooperate more.” According to Verbaas, responsible for the themes of Logistics & ICT and Food Safety & Quality at industry

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

association Frugi Venta (also see box on page 7), there are plenty of opportunities to strengthen the sector’s position. “For example, take the automation of administrative processes. In essence, these are the same for the logistics service providers that are active in the chain. Yet virtually all parties still use their own systems and IT environments. That's wonderful for IT and automation companies, which make millions, but for our industry it is a great waste. Individual companies pay top money for systems specifically designed for them. By working

together and increasingly switching to the same automation systems, you can save a lot of costs and ultimately offer your own services more cost-efficiently.”

Container Monitor “Using the same systems has another advantage,” continues Verbaas. “It becomes easier for companies to exchange data with one another. This too can lead to substantial cost savings. In this context, I would like to point out the new Container Monitor. This website, which we developed together with, among others, NLIP, Portbase and

introduction

ugh

Peter Verbaas: “The sector is not realising the full potential that is present.”

About Frugi Venta

Informore, links together data from numerous parties involved in the transport, storage and transhipment of containers. As a result, dozens of individual items of information can be efficiently consulted on a single screen. This allows the business sector to save about a hundred euros per container, up to as much as ten million euros per year.”

Empty mileage Verbaas mentions another cost item that can be reduced through increased cooperation: empty kilometres. “Driving on the A15 motorway near Rotterdam, the number of empty trailers on the road is staggering. And that is likely only the tip of the iceberg. How many of those trucks that do carry a container or reefer are actually transporting cargo? All those empty kilometres cost a lot

Frugi Venta, the Fruit Trade Association Netherlands, is the leading industry association for 400 companies active in the wholesale, brokerage, import and export of fresh fruit and vegetables. Frugi Venta focuses primarily on promoting the competitiveness of the sector by providing its members with both collective and individual services and it looks after their interests at both the national and the international level. Contact with members and bringing members into contact with one another is one of the objectives of the organisation. The various Committees, which for example focus on such matters as collective labour bargaining and the trades in bio-products, mushrooms, fruit and onions, play an important role in this. Through these committees, Frugi Venta is able to communicate specific information to the relevant target groups.

GroentenFruit Huis As of the 1st of January 2016, Frugi Venta has been fully integrated in GroentenFruit Huis. This organisation was founded in 2014 by Frugi Venta and the Dutch Produce Association (DPA), the industry association for marketing boards for fruit, vegetables and mushrooms in the Netherlands, to give the Dutch fruit and vegetable industry one single voice. Through GroentenFruit Huis, Frugi Venta and DPA aim to create opportunities for their members, reduce risks and share knowledge. The organisation focuses on four themes: Nutrition & Health, Food Safety & Quality, Market & Statistics and Logistics & ICT. For all themes, the input of members has been anchored through business councils which represent both cultivation and trade. The active participation of members in GroentenFruit Huis ensures that the organisation is a place where members feel at home and can rest assured that their interests will be served. Frugi Venta and DPA will by the way continue to exist as separate entities.

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

of money, have a negative impact on the traffic flow and are not exactly sustainable. This is a typical example of a problem that can be addressed through better cooperation. In some cases that is already happening, but the scale on which this occurs is still limited; furthermore, it is usually the government rather than the business community which takes the initiative here.”

Night Driving To achieve a better flow and reduce transport costs, Verbaas has been a long-time advocate of transporting more fruit and vegetables at night and on weekends. “This can lead to substantially shorter transit times. The probability of encountering road congestion is of course small at night and on most weekends. A counterargument would be the higher wage costs, among other things due to more overtime, but I am convinced that the savings - and advantages in areas such as planning and transit times – will more than outweigh those extra costs. This too however needs increased cooperation in order to become successful. Most terminals might be open 24 hours a day, but if a haulier doesn’t operate at night this is pointless. Fortunately, some positive developments are taking place in this respect though. Both the number of initiatives to boost night driving and the number of companies participating in this are increasing. But there is definitely still a lot of room for improvement here. In line with this, we also strongly advocate the increased use of other modes of transport, such as the transport of fresh produce containers by rail and water. This helps to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.”

Domestic consumption Once again, domestic fruit consumption declined in 2015. In the first half of the year, Dutch households purchased three percent less fresh vegetables and almost the same amount of fresh fruit as in 2014. The Netherlands is not an exception in this respect; less fruit and vegetables are consumed throughout the entire EU. “The turning point is not yet in sight,” notes Verbaas. “The disappearance of the Product Board also meant the end of major campaigns to stimulate the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Meanwhile, other suppliers of food products are not standing still and are managing to successfully reach consumers. Thus, the industry continues to

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

pHOTO: FIC BV /Shutterstock

lose ground. Campaigns are expensive and will therefore need to be collectively initiated and funded by the chain. Yet another example of an opportunity that can only be capitalised upon through increased cooperation.”

European legislation Looking at the near future, Verbaas is concerned about a number of European laws that Brussels aims to adopt in the coming years. “At this point, it seems as if new EU

the Dutch government should assert itself more strongly in Europe. Among others, it is up to our sector to continue to stress the importance of this. Again, this is something that the entire chain will need to address collectively if we want to optimally exert our influence. That of course not only applies to the amendment of European policies. At the national level, there is the negative impact of the high import inspection tariffs of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, for

Idly standing by is not an option; not innova legislation on such matters as monitoring, ICT processes and phytosanitary inspections will still have a highly unfavourably impact on an import and throughput country such as the Netherlands. Our government sometimes needs to be more assertive in that respect. We are a small country, true, but when it comes to phytosanitary cargo flows we are one of the largest. To better serve those interests,

example. Or ensuring that the current constructive government support aimed at opening up foreign markets to Dutch fruit and vegetables is maintained.”

Innovation To maintain and strengthen the current global position of the Netherlands as a producer, exporter and import and transit country of fruit and vegetables, innovation

The Netherlands: world player in fresh fruits and vegetables € 4.6 billion import from

107 countries

consumption

uc prod tion

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import €2.9 billion

€ 7.1 billion export of fresh vegetables and fruits towards

export

150 countries

increasing demand Global player in fruit and vegetables

is essential. Verbaas: “Idly standing by is not an option. Not innovating means missing out. Throughout the sector, you come across many wonderful, innovative initiatives. These however are highly fragmented and in some cases parties are reinventing the wheel. As a result, the full potential is not realised. And that is a shame. For innovation too, cooperation is the key to success. An organisation such as ours can play a unifying role in that respect (see box on page 9). We can bring

ting means missing out together companies from the sector and for example link them to our research and knowledge institutes and innovative initiatives. So we still have plenty to do, but that goes for everyone in the sector. We must all stay strongly focused and, at the risk of sounding predictable, start collaborating much more. Together, we can ensure that this wonderful sector gets the future it deserves.”

The Netherlands is a global player in the field of fruit and vegetables. The fruit and vegetable cluster is the third-largest export sector in the Netherlands, accounting for nearly 14 billion euros (including processed products). The Netherlands exports fresh fruit and vegetables to 150 countries. Stores in three out of four countries in the world offer Dutch fruit and vegetables for sale. The Netherlands is one of the most productive countries. In 2014, growers achieved a turnover of 2.9 billion euros in fresh fruit and vegetables. Within the European Union, the Netherlands is ranked fifth regarding the production of vegetables and tenth for fruit. The Netherlands also plays a key role in fresh logistics.

Hub function More than seventy percent of the fruit imported into the Netherlands and more than (Source: LEI, Eurostat 2014) eighty percent of imported vegetables are exported again. Nearly three-quarters of vegetables and fruit cultivated in the country are exported. Its excellent location, good infrastructure and outstanding logistics facilities with professional distribution companies have given the Netherlands a unique hub position in the world.

Comprehensive selection The Netherlands is responsible for 6 percent of the global trade in fruit and 16 percent of the global trade in vegetables and the country is an important gateway to Europe for many kinds of fruit and vegetables. The country offers a comprehensive selection of products that almost no other nation can match. This is due to the combined availability of locally produced products and fresh products imported from over one hundred countries. The Netherlands specialises in the consolidation and distribution of product flows, including collecting, (re)packaging and processing. This accounts for a lot of the added value of the Dutch fruit and vegetable cluster.

www.groentenfruithuis.nl

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

TempSen measuring equipment: reliable cold chain logistics TempSen Electronics Company specialises in the development and manufacturing of data loggers and data acquisition systems for monitoring cold chain logistics. TempSen Europe B.V. bears responsibility for the sales, distribution and customer service in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

TempSen Europe was established in 2014 and is headed by Randy van Polanen Petel, who has more than twenty years of experience in the cold chain logistics of agricultural products. Based in Poeldijk (Westland), TempSen Europe for example already supplies companies in the food sector and the pharmaceutical industry, both in Europe and beyond. “Our parent company is TempSen Electronics Company in Shanghai, a manufacturer of high-quality and highly reliable data loggers and data acquisition systems for cold chain logistics,” explains Van Polanen Petel. “The measuring equipment is sold worldwide and has various distinguishing characteristics: design, usability - the devices can for example be read without software - and longevity. This makes it possible to easily and cost-efficiently integrate our products in the logistics, storage and last-mile transport of conditioned goods.”

Product-specific temperature control “Many measuring methods do not guarantee that products are continuously stored at the right temperature during transport and storage,” says Van Polanen Petel. “Our data loggers and data acquisition systems however do offer that certainty. This is because TempSen equipment does not measure the

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

temperature of the space the goods are in, but that of the actual goods. This so-called product-specific temperature control offers many advantages: reliable data, continuous monitoring of products, cost reduction, quality improvement and increased customer satisfaction and flexibility. We offer fitting products and applications for each use and each budget. Take the ITAG3pro and ITAG4, for example. The ITAG3pro is a cost-efficient and highly accurate electronic temperature monitoring device. It is easy to use and reading charts and data does not require software. The ITAG4 is an easy-to-use temperature data logger with LCD screen. We also supply temperature data loggers for multiple use in ‘closed’ cold chain logistics.”

Highest quality standards TempSen is SGS ISO 9001:2008 certified. This offers customers the certainty that

the company meets the highest international quality standards in the fields of product development, manufacturing and service. “Customers and insurance companies can consequently rest assured that our products and services will fully meet their requirements.”

TempSen Europe B.V. Slachthuiskade 9, 2685LN Poeldijk The Netherlands M +31(0)654 607 069 T +31(0)174 785 565 E randy@tempsen-europe.com I www.tempsen-europe.com

Kloosterboer to open logistics centre for fresh products in Rotterdam Cool Port Kloosterboer is adding a unique facility to its network. In Rotterdam, the logistics service provider is working on the construction of a new cold storage facility particularly aimed at the handling of containerised reefer cargo. The project is part of the new cold storage cluster Rotterdam Cool Port.

The state-of-the-art cold store in Rotterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waal-Eemhaven port area will have a capacity of 40,000 temperaturecontrolled pallet places. Kloosterboer expects to handle at least 400,000 pallets per year here. The new terminal will come on stream in the course of 2017. To ensure the best possible service level, Rotterdam Cool Port also has approximately 14,500 square metres for additional services such as packing, sorting and cross docking. Cool Port will function as a logistical hub. The combination of location and integrated facilities makes the cold storage cluster highly attractive for customers in the food sector. The terminal will be connected with both the container cluster at Rotterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maasvlakte and all the surrounding green ports and final destinations in Europe through various modes of transport.

Cost savings and CO2 reduction

Cool Portâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direct road, water and rail connections offer customers significant savings on their (pre) transport costs. Because the cold storage cluster directly

borders container terminals, reefer container equipment can be optimally deployed. This too yields cost savings. Furthermore, the situation in the Waal-Eemhaven area allows for the use of barges instead of trucks to transport cargo between Cool Port and the Maasvlakte, the main location where deepsea flows arrive. This significantly reduces CO2 emissions. The location also benefits from the fact that Rotterdam has a leading position in the cold storage sector; for many shipping lines, it is the first port of call in Europe.

and non-food. The logistics service provider has seventeen branches; besides the Netherlands, the company is also active in France, Norway, Poland, Sweden, South Africa, Canada and the United States. The existing locations in Poeldijk, Rotterdam-Maasvlakte, Vlissingen and Durban (South Africa) are already fully geared to the handling of fruit.

Global network Kloosterboer offers its customers a flexible, transparent and independent range of logistics services in the supply chain. With Cool Port Rotterdam, the company is adding a leading facility to its global network. Currently, Kloosterboer already has over 3.5 million cubic metres of storage capacity which can easily accommodate 550,000 tonnes of goods, both food

Kloosterboer P.O. Box 278, 1970 AG IJmuiden The Netherlands T +31 (0)88 554 99 00 E marco.vermet@kloosterboer.nl I www.kloosterboer.com linkedin.com/company/kloosterboer

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

One-stop service for the worldwide logistics of fruit and vegetables Thermotraffic is one of the leading service providers for temperature-controlled logistics worldwide. It offers food producers a one-stop service: from pick-up in the country of origin to ocean freight, customs clearance, quality checks and warehousing to distribution throughout Europe. Thermotraffic has even further developed its tailor-made logistics concept for importers and exporters of fruit and vegetables.

By making use of logistics systems in which customisation plays a key role, Thermotraffic is able to fully unburden its customers. Transportation of temperature-sensitive products requires a high degree of specialisation and expertise. With its many years of experience in this particular sector, Thermotraffic is uniquely positioned and capable of handling these cargo flows. Through a global network of professional agents, close cooperation with shipping lines and favourable (price) agreements, Thermotraffic offers its clients excellent service with guaranteed fast transit times; no matter where in the world the goods hail from or where they are bound for. Thermotraffic also provides the right logistics solutions in the rapidly growing market of cross trades.

Fast and efficient With, among other things, seven own offices in Europe’s leading ports, containers are handled quickly and efficiently as well. Customs clearance, phytosanitary inspections, HRL inspections, quality checks, container trucking or barge and rail solutions: everything is coordinated and handled by the company’s own staff. When goods are subjected to phytosanitary/HR inspections, transhipped

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

or (partially) kept in storage, Thermotraffic closely cooperates with, among others, sister company Eurofrigo B.V. Rotterdam. Especially the centrally situated locations at the Maasvlakte and Distripark Eemhaven and the extended opening hours for inspections ensure a great degree of flexibility. Thus, the lines of communication remain short and fast and efficient action can always be taken.

One-window concept Of course, the final link in the supply chain is also present. With a fleet of 550 temperature-controlled trucks which are equipped with the latest technology such as double loading platforms and multiple evaporators, LTL and FTL shipments in a temperature range of -30 to + 25 °C are delivered to any destination in Europe. Thermotraffic uses the one-window concept so that customers only need to deal with one fixed contact person throughout the entire process. In this way, optimal communication is ensured. The professionals of Thermotraffic always have one goal in mind: to take care of and transport your cargo flows within the required time and in the most optimal way!

Thermotraffic GmbH Im Industriegelände 60-66, 33775 Versmold Germany T +49 (0)5423 968 120 E sales@thermotraffic.de I www.thermotraffic.com THERMOTRAFFIC HOLLAND BV Abel Tasmanstraat 1, 3165 AM Rotterdam The Netherlands T +31 (0)85 040 17 60 E sales@thermotraffic.com I www.thermotraffic.com facebook.com/thermotraffic561803367293168/ linkedin.com/company/thermotrafficholland-bv

Eurofrigo brings the world within reach Eurofrigo has been a well-established player in the market for temperaturecontrolled storage for many years already. The company mainly owes its success to the know-how, flexibility and dedication of the Eurofrigo team as well as to the strategically located cold storage facilities in Rotterdam. Eurofrigo was established more than 35 years ago and throughout the years it has always kept up with the latest developments in the market. “Nowadays, quality and safety are the most important aspects in the supply chain,” says Eurofrigo’s CEO Derk van Mackelenbergh. “Consequently, more and more customers choose to have their cargo inspected by us. This was already possible for meat and fruit at our Maasvlakte facility and one year ago we also started offering fruit inspections at our cold store in Distripark Eemhaven. Both locations have an EU Border Inspection Point (BIP) for veterinary and plant health inspections. Due to our extended opening hours, quality inspections can also be performed in the evening.” According to Van Mackelenbergh, the inspections Eurofrigo offers are not just interesting to customers who use the company to store or cross-dock goods. “Companies that only want to make use of our cargo inspection services are also more than welcome. And because our facilities are in favourable locations they can do so without driving extra kilometres.”

Strong trump card At its cold stores in Rotterdam, Eurofrigo offers almost 70,000 conditioned pallet spaces in total. In addition to storage and

handling, the company also provides a comprehensive variety of value added services such as palletising, packaging, sorting and the aforementioned quality inspections. Eurofrigo offers a full range of logistics services and holds a strong trump card in that respect; the collaboration with sister company Thermotraffic. This international freight forwarding company specialises in the temperaturecontrolled and conditioned transport of food and non-food. “Our processes are perfectly geared to one another and we make optimum use of each other’s strong points,” explains Van Mackelenbergh. Both companies are part of the Nichirei Logistics Group from Japan, one of the world's largest players in the field of temperature-controlled storage. Fruit juice specialist Hiwa Rotterdam Port Cold Stores is also part of our group.”

Eurofrigo Limburg Under the name Eurofrigo Limburg, the company also operates branches near the

Ruhr area, namely in Venlo and Roermond. Spread out across three cold stores, Eurofrigo offers a capacity of approximately 397,000 m3 there for the storage of, among other things, fruits and vegetables.

Eurofrigo B.V. Abel Tasmanstraat 1, Port nr. 2783 3165 AM Rotterdam-Albrandswaard, The Netherlands T +31 (0)10 491 31 09 E www.cz@eurofrigo.nl I www.eurofrigo.nl

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

1 + 1 = 3 at AGRO Me Both ADB Cool Company and Opticool have years of experience in the storage and handling of fruit from overseas. The companies are now part of AGRO Merchants Group. “Being affiliated with an international network enables us to improve our service levels even further,” says Antonio Oken. For many years they were competitors, but now they are partners. “That definitely took some getting used to at first,” admit sales manager Etienne Vennink of ADB Cool Company and managing director Antonio Oken of Opticool. “We have been affiliated with AGRO Merchants Group since October 2014,” says Oken. “ADB joined in April 2015. We have been highly successfully working together for almost a year now. Our companies have much in common in terms of corporate culture and mentality. We are both family businesses with employees who will do anything for their partners.” Vennink: “By partners, Antonio means customers by the way.” “Correct,” continues Oken, “I prefer to use partner rather than customer. Like ADB, we always aim to build up long-term relationships with the companies we work with.” According to Oken and Vennink, the fact that ADB and Opticool belong to AGRO Merchants Group, an international network that is active in logistics services and the conditioned storage and handling of agricultural products, frozen food and dairy, offers nothing but advantages.

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

specialise in the storage and handling of fruit. Besides ADB and Opticool, other group members include the Spanish company Gestion Frio Algeciras (GFA) and Lucca Freezer & Cold Storage in the United States; ADB and Opticool particularly cooperate with these companies on a regular basis. Combined, the group has 49 facilities in eight countries. The aim is to increase this number to 80 by the end of 2017.

Global players

Managing director Antonio Oken (Opticool) and sales manager Etienne Vennink (ADB Cool Company).

“In our increasingly globalising market, standing together makes you stronger than standing alone. It is a typical example of 1 + 1 = 3. We can use each other's knowhow and equipment, and that allows us to raise service levels to a higher level. This not only benefits us, but also our partners.” AGRO Merchants Group comprises 16 member companies across the globe, some of which

“The fact that we belong to AGRO Merchants Group has not changed our activities,” says Vennink. “Both our companies were already active across the world. Being part of a large international network has however made us true global players. This opens doors for us that would have otherwise remained closed and provides ample opportunities for growth. Furthermore, we are able to offer our partners even better support in even more locations around the world. As Antonio already mentioned, our companies are quite similar. The main difference is that Opticool is located in the port of Rotterdam and receives fruit and vegetables by ship and container barge and that we are established in 's-Gravenzande (30 kilometres from Rotterdam) and are supplied exclusively by road. We are both officially authorised to weigh bananas and furthermore ADB has an automated grape cutting line and on-site ripening facilities.” Both ADB and Opticool offer a comprehensive range of logistics services which among other things comprises storage and transportation, sorting, packing and repacking of fruit in Netlon,

rchants Group gyrsac, D-Pack, stretch or Flowpak, labelling, facilitating and supervising quality inspections and the handling of customs formalities. The two companies make use of state-of-the-art tools and systems. This makes it possible for their partners to monitor the status of their products online 24/7 through secure connections and allows for the exchange of data between the systems of both companies. ADB and Opticool are also pretty close in terms of size. Opticool has 19,000 m² of refrigerated storage space, divided into 20 cold stores and 27 dock shelters. ADB has 23,000 m² of cooling/freezing capacity, spread out across 48 cold stores and 11 docks. Vennink: “We are currently expanding. In October 2016, a new section will be

commissioned which will add 7,000 m² of additional storage capacity and 13 new docks. In total, we will then have 20,000 pallet spaces.” The Spanish company GFA, one of the main partners of Opticool and ADB in the group, is also busily expanding. It will add 13,300 new pallet spaces, making the storage capacity six times larger. The layout and supporting systems will also be incorporated in the new construction; upon completion in July 2016, it will meet the highest market demands. GFA is located in the port of Algeciras and is involved in the cross-docking and conditioned storage and handling of fruit and fish for import and export.

AGRO Merchants Group Agro Merchants Group owns and operates 49 facilities in 8 countries across the US, Europe and Latin America, with nearly 700,000 square meters of cold storage space. The company focuses on providing innovative cold chain solutions on a global scale by partnering with the highest quality family businesses and creating reliable and integrated trade networks to help its customers grow. AGRO invests in modern assets, industry-leading technologies and value-added services to ensure the highest quality supply chain management standards in the industry.

ADB Cool Company BV Galgeweg 8, 2691 MG ’s-Gravenzande P.O. Box 66, 2670 AB Naaldwijk The Netherlands M +31 (0)641 599 755 F +31 (0)174 621 429 E etienne@coolcompany.nl I www.coolcompany.nl www.agromerchants.com

Opticool BV Keilestraat 9c, Port nr. 294 3029 BP Rotterdam The Netherlands M +31 (0)620 545 361 F +31 (0)10 244 09 20 E antonio@opticool.nl I www.opticool.nl www.agromerchants.com

GFA Puerto de Algeciras 11207 Algeciras Cadiz, Spain T +34 956 579 038 E info@gfalgeciras.com I www.gfa.com www.agromerchants.com

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

Cargo from A to B? VDH Company organises everything from A to Z A. van Dongen & Heerschap, Heestermans Logistiek, International Fruit Forwarders and VDC Logistics together make up VDH Company. Director Jan van Dongen: “We provide solutions for all logistical challenges and organise transport from A to Z, from any location to any desired destination.”

As a total service provider, VDH Company offers all facets of the logistics chain. Situated around Rotterdam, the group of companies offers tailor-made solutions for both dry and refrigerated cargo. VDH Company is able to offer its customers full supply chain management in that respect. "We take care of all the logistical services that are required to get shipments to their final destination,” says Jan van Dongen. “This includes sea freight, air transport, road transport, warehousing and customs formalities. For the latter, we have highly trained, independent customs brokers who can guide, advise and assist customers to achieve rapid customs clearance. And if required, they can take care of the entire customs procedure.”

Full service warehouses The international forwarding company of VDH Company is A. van Dongen & Heerschap. This freight forwarder specialises in the transport of refrigerated and dry goods from any destination in the

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

world to Europe and vice versa. Another specialism of the group is the conditioned storage and handling of fruit from overseas. This activity is carried out by International Fruit Forwarders. Van Dongen: “A team of experienced staff is at the customer’s beck and call each day. International Fruit Forwarders operates state-of-the-art full service warehouses in Dirksland and Maasdijk. Both are near Rotterdam, the world's largest fruit port, and are fully geared to the storage and transhipment of conditioned cargo.”

labelling. Transport to the final destination is an essential part of our service provision. Our customers can call on VDC Logistics for this. This company among other things organises daily transports from the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge to its own facilities and those of third parties. Furthermore, VDC Logistics specialises in conditioned road transport, especially to and from Scandinavia, Spain and Portugal.”

Comprehensive range of services The storage of dry goods is also in good hands with VDH Company. “Our company Heestermans Logistiek stores a highly varied range of dry products, ranging from food to solar panels, at its warehouses in Dirksland, Middelharnis and Moerdijk. In collaboration with the other group members, Heestermans offers a comprehensive range of logistics services. This includes repacking, palletising and

VDH Company Vlakbodem 3, 3247 CP Dirksland Transportweg 23C, 2676 LM Maasdijk The Netherlands T +31 (0)187 685 080 E jan@vdhcompany.com I www.vdhcompany.com

Artmarine: a fitting solution for every transport requirement Artmarine B.V. Rotterdam specialises in the worldwide shipping of refrigerated and frozen cargo. To optimally serve customers, the forwarder offers a highly comprehensive range of services; flexibility, speed and quality are key in this respect.

One of the distinguishing services of Artmarine is the organisation of door-to-door transport. “With this service, we take care of the entire transport and everything else this entails for the customer,” explains managing director Marco van Emst. “This yields substantial time savings and enables customers to fully focus on their core activities. For every transport need, to and from any destination in the world, we offer the best and most efficient solution, customised and with a guaranteed optimum price, speed and quality.”

Reliable partner Van Emst describes the team of Artmarine as young, dynamic and professional. “Customers can turn to them with all types of cargo and choose any mode of transport they require. Our main focus is on the shipping of reefer containers. As specialists, we know that speed, quality and accuracy are essential for reefer customers. After all, their shipments often involve fresh products. A quick handling and the timely availability of cargo are crucial to them. Our team is available 24/7 and can swiftly anticipate changing circumstances. For example, if the destination is altered at the last minute, we see to it that everything is taken care of.”

Comprehensive range of services The fact that everything at Artmarine revolves around the unburdening of customers is also reflected in the comprehensive range of services the forwarder offers.

Besides the aforementioned door-to-door transport, this for example comprises FCL and LCL services for reefers and dry box containers, warehousing in, among other things, cold stores, the quick and professional handling of customs formalities and the organisation of project cargo. “The quality of our services meets the highest international transport standards and we offer them at very competitive rates.” Artmarine B.V. Rotterdam started oper ations in 2008 and is part of the Artmarine Group. “We have a sister company in St. Petersburg: a big advantage for customers with cargo bound for Russia. Artmarine St. Petersburg knows the local market inside out and can quickly take care of such matters as customs clearance there. Furthermore, our sister company is an ideal partner for arranging post-transport services to other destinations in Russia.”

Artmarine – Rotterdam Van Weerden Poelmanweg 31 3088 EA Rotterdam, The Netherlands T +31 (0)10 294 08 05 E info@artmarine.nl I www.artmarine.nl Artmarine – St. Petersburg Novgorodskaya str. 23, office 248 191124 St. Petersburg, Russia T +7 812 30 90 592 E info@a-rt-marine.com I www.a-rt-marine.com

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

Fast claims handling is the hallmark of Centraal Beheer Quick action is essential if a transport incurs damage. Especially if perishable goods are involved. And it is particularly in this respect that Centraal Beheer stands out. “We are a direct writer,” says Specialist Cargo/Transport Paul Amoureus. “This allows us to quickly take care of everything.”

When asked to sum up the service rendering of Centraal Beheer in one word, Amoureus answers ‘unburdening’. “That is exactly what we do,” he explains. “When clients take out an insurance policy with us, they can rightly assume that we will quickly and expertly take care of everything for them. Anyone with a good story can sell insurance. But just how effective that policy actually is in practice does not become apparent until damage is incurred. We like to make the difference in that respect. As a direct writer, we are in close contact with our clients and we are the only party that handles their claims. With that, we occupy a unique position in the freight transport sector. Our approach offers clients many advantages. It provides clarity, prevents unnecessary loss of time and allows for rapid claims handling.” “Middlemen and intermediaries cannot offer these advantages. The more parties are involved in an insurance policy, the longer it takes for matters to be resolved. If a transportation-related injury occurs, we can immediately determine whether it is covered or not. And if this is the case, then we often already pay out within two weeks. Also important: if we accept

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

a risk, we accept it for the full 100 percent. That means we actually pay 100 percent of the damage.”

Knowledge and know-how “This speed and the direct contact are two important reasons why so many companies have already been trusting us with their insurance for years,” adds Specialist Marine Claims Klaas Frieswijk. “Furthermore, our organisation holds a lot of knowledge and expertise. We know the industries in which our clients operate, are highly aware of the risks they encounter, provide them with advice and know exactly what to do if a problem arises. Centraal Beheer has already been involved in business insurance for more than 100 years. We provide companies with a wide range of tailor-made insurance policies. Our transport insurance can for example be customised according to the client’s needs and covers all modes of transport (road, water, rail and air), including loading and unloading. We for example insure trading companies active in the import and export of products such as potatoes, vegetables and fruit, cocoa, corn, coffee and dairy. There is a great degree of loyalty among our clients. One company has even been

< Paul Amoureus (top): "If we accept a risk, we accept

it for the full 100 percent."

< Klaas Frieswijk (below): "We provide a wide range

of tailor-made insurance policies."

insured with us since Centraal Beheer’s inception in 1909. But then again, we are highly customer-oriented. The interests of the client always come first. They can call on us 24/7 should they incur damage. Partly because we are part of Eurapco (an international association of independent insurance companies), we can fall back on a global network of professional damage assessor. They are quickly on-site, evaluate the situation there and work together with us to quickly find a solution. Thanks to this network, we can handle a damage claim in Vietnam, for example, with the same speed as in the Netherlands.”

Eurapco According to Amoureus, the fact that Centraal Beheer is affiliated with Eurapco offers other advantages as well. “This partnership allows us to quickly honour requests for insurance, also those involving very large amounts. Transporting a shipment of cocoa or grain can easily entail tens of millions of euros. Where others first need to consult a great number of intermediaries and insurers to cover these kinds of amounts, we can directly arrange everything within Eurapco.” The customer-oriented approach of the Apeldoorn-based insurer is also reflected in their Cargo app for companies; they can use

this to submit a request for coverage for each individual shipment. Frieswijk: “This is especially useful for companies that deal with different cargo flows involving varying goods bound for various destinations. As long as the requests are conform the provisions of the policy, they can easily arrange everything themselves. With just a few clicks of the mouse.”

the client, we map the risk moments and next we offer advice on how to avoid or minimise these risks. Because clients cannot only count on us if they incur damage. We are also always there for them when it comes to preventing damage.”

Prevention The services of Centraal Beheer go far beyond just covering risks. “In many cases, prevention can avert damage,” explains Amoureus. “We adopt a proactive stance in that respect as well. For example, clients can have all their production and transport processes evaluated by us, from the first steps in the manufacturing process to the delivery to the customer. And for both import and export flows. Together with

Centraal Beheer Achmea P.O. Box 9150, 7300 HZ Apeldoorn The Netherlands T +31 (0)55 579 54 69 I www.centraalbeheer.nl/zakelijk

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

DL Logistics Group stands behind its product DL Logistics Group offers a full range of logistics and transport services. Of the company’s six branches, two specialise in the storage and handling of imported fruits and vegetables: the ultramodern cold stores in Bleiswijk and Hazerswoude-Dorp in the province of South Holland.

The branch in Bleiswijk operates under the name DL Fresh Logistics and has a cooling and freezing capacity of 4,100 pallet spaces spread across 15 cold stores. In February 2016, four new cold stores with a joint capacity of 1,825 pallet spaces will be taken into operation, boosting the storage capacity by 46%. “At DL Fresh Logistics, we can offer everything related to the storage and handling of imported fruits and vegetables under one roof,” says branch manager Marco Pfaff. “We have all the necessary facilities and space to offer our customers a fast and flexible service rendering. Some of the services are repackaging, repacking and sorting, weighing and labelling, readying cargo for transport, document handling and the storage of goods that are subject to customs control. We also have special ripening, recooling and dry stores which enable us to offer fruits like avocados and bananas ready-to-eat. Furthermore, 'Bleiswijk' is very suitable for the crossdocking of containers with cargo which needs to be inspected prior to delivery. For this, we have a conditioned cross-dock area covering approximately 3,500 m² and 18 docks. The Bleiswijk facility is BRC and SKAL certified. This means

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

we can also store organic products there.”

Near the A12 motorway The cold store facility in Hazerswoude-Dorp is named DL Coldstore. Like DL Fresh Logistics, it is located near the A12 motorway and a short distance from the port of Rotterdam and Schiphol airport. DL Coldstore offers 4,000 pallet spaces for the conditioned storage of refrigerated and frozen goods. The site comprises 12 cold stores; like the Bleiswijk facility, it is a licensed bonded warehouse and it is BRC and SKAL certified.“The strength of DL Logistics Group lies in the fact that we can take care of everything for our customers,” says Pfaff. “They can rely on us for all the steps in the logistics process. From picking up products anywhere in the world up to and including the distribution to final destinations throughout Europe. In that respect, we can also arrange transport by road, air and water. We fully unburden customers. We gladly think along with them to find the most efficient solutions for their transport and logistics needs. When asked to summarise our approach in one sentence, I say: we always stand behind our product.”

DL Fresh Logistics B.V. Klappolder 191 - 193, 2665 MP Bleiswijk The Netherlands T +31 (0)10 258 77 00 DL Coldstore B.V. Belgiëlaan 9, 2391 PH Hazerswoude-Dorp The Netherlands T +31 (0)172 235 050 E info@dl.nl I www.dl.nl

@datislogistiek linkedin.com/company/ dl-logistics-group-bv

Discovering the advantages of Zeeland Seaports Zeeland Seaports is the number one food port in the Netherlands and is rapidly gaining ground as Europe’s leading food hub. This increasing popularity is not surprising: Zeeland’s ports among other things offer excellent European hinterland connections.

The ports of Vlissingen and Terneuzen together make up Zeeland Seaports, the third largest port area in the Netherlands. The ports are strategically located between Rotterdam and Antwerp. With their situation directly on the open sea (without large tidal variations), a water depth of 16.5 metres, congestion-free hinterland connections and specialised terminals, the ports boast many advantages for handling various cargo types. One of these is food. Substantial volumes of onions, potatoes, fruit, juices, oleiferous seeds, dairy, meat and fish pass through the port. “We have our own Food Port at the Bijleveldhaven in Vlissingen,” says commercial director Leo Lagendijk of Zeeland Seaports. “A thriving centre of specialists in the handling of food products and reefer containers, with facilities such as stevedoring, cold stores and packing stations.” “Speed and quality are crucial for food; we therefore offer rapid services 24/7. Our excellent connections by rail, road and inland waterway to the markets of

the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, northern France and England are another advantage. More than half of the European purchasing power is located within a 500-kilometre radius from our ports.”

Chiquita As an emerging player in the food market, Zeeland Seaports is increasingly raising its profile. As a result, the number of food-related companies opting for Zeeland is quickly growing. Lagendijk: “In early 2015, we were able to announce the relocation of Chiquita to Vlissingen. This involves 170,000 tonnes of bananas a year, which are handled and stored by logistics service provider Kloosterboer. In Vlissingen, ZZC has by the way been handling bananas for a major German retailer for many years already.” “Another newcomer is Spanish fruit and fruit juice giant AMC, which opened a facility in Vlissingen in 2015 where 120 million litres of fruit juice will be produced and bottled annually. To double its production, AMC will build a second and eventually even a third plant here. Also new is the liner service for onions

between Vlissingen and West Africa launched by CMA-CGM in October.” According to Lagendijk, the attraction of Zeeland Seaports is obvious. “We have a lot to offer to companies: excellent infrastructure and ample room for growth. We can rival the large ports, but without the congestion and long waiting times - and often at lower cost.”

Zeeland Seaports N.V. Schelpenpad 2 - Port nr. 1151 4531 PD Terneuzen P.O. Box 132, 4530 AC Terneuzen The Netherlands T +31 (0)115 647 400 F +31 (0)115 647 500 E port@zeelandseaports.com I www.zeelandseaports.com

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

Reefer Sales Europe provides tailor-made refrigeration solutions Reefer Sales Europe from Rotterdam sells and leases out new and used reefer containers of all the major brands. The young enterprise is the result of a cooperation between two companies with years of experience in shipping containers and cold storage systems: ECB Group and Smith-Holland. Three years ago, ECB Group and SmithHolland decided to join forces: Reefer Sales Europe (RSE) was born. “ECB Group has already been selling and leasing out dry box containers for 35 years and SmithHolland is an independent reefer service company with over 45 years of experience in the maintenance and repair of refrigerated containers,” explains Soren Strörmann of RSE. “Combining the fields of expertise of both companies accurately sums up our activities: we sell and lease out new and used reefers. We supply customers throughout Europe but also further afield. The fact that we originate from these two companies is a big advantage. We for example make use of the strategically located depot of ECB

Group at Rotterdam’s Waalhaven and all the facilities there for maintenance and repair, cleaning and Pre Trip Inspections (PTI). The fact that SmithHolland also has branches beyond Spijkenisse near Rotterdam is also a major strongpoint; we can easily provide customers in Belgium, Germany and France with maintenance and repair services as well.”

Directly from stock RSE has a wide range of new and used reefers. “Customers can choose from various sizes, 10, 20 and 40 feet, various refrigeration/freezing systems, including highly energy-efficient ones, and we stock all the major brands: Carrier, Thermo King, Star Cool and Daikin,” says Arjan Bresijn. “We can immediately supply from stock and distinguish ourselves through our competitive prices. We can provide tailor-made solutions for customers with specific requirements. We fully refurbish used reefers to mint condition, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards.

All reefers we sell and lease out are plug-in ready. Moreover, a PTI is always performed prior to delivery. If desired, our customers can take out a maintenance contract. This maintenance is performed by STEK-certified technicians who are available 24/7.”

Numerous applications RSE focuses on end users. Among the company’s customers are small shipping lines, agricultural companies and nurseries. Events and festivals constitute a relatively new market for RSE. Strörmann: “Basically, a reefer is simply a large refrigerator or freezer which can be used for numerous applications. We will gladly discuss the solutions we can provide to meet your large-scale refrigeration needs.”

Reefer Sales Europe B.V. Bunschotenweg 200 3089 KC Rotterdam P.O. Box 54550 3008 KB Rotterdam The Netherlands T +31 (0)10 494 05 25 E info@reefersaleseurope.eu I www.reefersaleseurope.eu www.reefersaleseurope.nl

In the Spotlight Food Logistics 2016

Successful exporters know where opportunities and risks lie. 'Ins & Outs of Export' teaches beginners what to expect and helps them to make the best choices, but also gives more advanced exporters the confidence to continue their journey. On the basis of true to life examples, personal experience and a clear layout, all aspects of export are discussed: 1. Marketing and positioning 2. Transactions and liability 3. Order processing and regulations 4. Delivery and Transport Modes 5. Insurance, documents and storage

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