Since 2023, Made, the Netherlands based BerryWorld has been collaborating with the digital forwarding platform Shypple Fresh. For Kees Heeren, who oversees logistics for BerryWorld's imports from outside the EU, the platform has been a game-changer. "Shypple Fresh displays all our container arrivals on a single screen, giving us an excellent overview. Previously, we often had to search for this information on the shipping companies' websites and manage it using Excel files. Thankfully, those days are behind us."
The collaboration began when some of Kees' colleagues came across Shypple Fresh during an AGF trade fair. "An introductory meeting with Shypple went well for both parties, and we officially started working together in June 2023. The timing was ideal, as the sea freight season for our blueberries, which runs annually from August to early March, starts gradually. This gave us time to familiarize ourselves with the platform. Since Shypple Fresh is so user-friendly, we quickly mastered the system."
As raspberries and blackberries have too short a shelf life for sea freight, BerryWorld's container imports are limited to blueberries. "Transit times from countries like Peru and South Africa used to be around three weeks. However, thanks to a faster connection between Peru and Vilissingen, these times have been reduced by several days. We're now in the final weeks of the Peruvian season, and we'll continue with South African blueberries for a bit longer. At the end of December, we'll restart the Chilean season," explains the Supply & Logistics Manager.
"I think the main advantage of Shypple Fresh is having all our logistics data on a single platform. This provides a much better overview. It's particularly useful to have all container arrival times listed together. Additionally, you can quickly see on the platform when a container has been flagged for a customs scan and whether the scan has been completed. This helps us expedite getting containers from the ports of Rotterdam or Vlissingen to Made as efficiently as possible."
Kees is a satisfied user. "Maybe there will be additional features in the future, but right now, I can't think of anything I'm missing on the platform. For me, the most important aspect is that the ship arrival times are always accurate, and they are. In logistics, you deal with countless variables, such as weather, strikes, and customs inspections, and new challenges arise constantly. If there's a change, like a delay or earlier arrival of a ship, this is reflected on the platform very quickly. Moreover, old arrival records are easy to retrieve from the archive."
Although Shypple Fresh is a highly digital platform, Kees notes that it hasn't diminished the importance of personal contact. "When I need something done quickly, I always pick up the phone. It's more effective and pleasant to speak with someone directly rather than relying on the chat module. Even if I have questions, I can always reach out to my contact, who's happy to guide me through the platform again if needed. I recently visited Shypple Fresh in Rotterdam to maintain that personal connection because I find it very important. After all, you do business with people, not just a program."
For more information:
Kees Heeren
Supply & Logistics Manager
BerryWorld
Tel: +31 88 648 2423
[email protected]
www.BerryWorld.com
Jarell Habets
Shypple Fresh
[email protected]
www.shypple.com/perishables