June 9, 2014

United Fresh releases new benchmarking report

United Fresh announced the availability of a first-ever benchmarking report designed specifically to help produce wholesalers and distributors evaluate the effectiveness of their operations.

“The Wholesaler-Distributor board identified benchmarking data as a key resource needed for our industry,” said Lisa Strube, director of finance for Strube Celery & Vegetable Company and chairman of the Wholesaler-Distributor board. “This resource will help fellow produce wholesalers and distributors identify key operational areas that affect business performance and help these companies stay competitive in the marketplace.”

Prepared by research firm Industry Insights, the report allows produce companies to compare their labor practices, sales practices, procurement and inventory management, warehouse metrics and outbound transportation by ownership type (family or private), primary customer business segment, produce sales and case volume, number of full-time employees, warehouse square footage and geography.

“The Wholesaler-Distributor board played an extensive role in developing this resource for United,” said Miriam Wolk, vice president of membership and marketing and staff liaison to the Wholesaler-Distributor board. “Their expertise was crucial to this project, and the board plans to explore additional benchmarking resources that can benefit the wholesale and distribution sectors.”

Ron Carkoski, CEO of Four Seasons Family of Companies and past chairman of the Wholesaler-Distributor board, will present an overview of the report at the Wholesaler-Distributor Super Session at United Fresh 2014 in Chicago at 9 a.m. on June 12.

The report is available for purchase via the United Fresh website





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