Sun State Produce Sales Sees Customer Service Improvements With CHEP

CLERMONT, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sun State Produce Sales, a privately held shipper of watermelons, has delivered consistent service improvements to customers and lowered product damage in the supply chain as a result of using the CHEP pallet pool. The company also announced that it is continuing to use CHEP pallets for product shipments from its 10 contract farms in Florida, Georgia, Indiana and Missouri to supermarkets and wholesalers across the Midwest United States.

Prior to moving to the CHEP pallet pooling program in 2003, Sun State Produce Sales transported its watermelons on limited use white wood shipping platforms. The company found that CHEP pallets are built stronger and more sturdy than limited use pallets and this reduces product damage issues. In addition, the company has experienced both improvements in its service to retail and wholesale customers, and continued high quality service from CHEP.

“Our account representative from CHEP takes care of us all the time and is especially attentive to our needs on the rare occasion there is a problem. This makes it easier for us to provide our customers with the attention and service they deserve,” said Mary Jones, Purchasing Director at Sun State Produce Sales.

Sun State Produce Sales is the latest of more than a dozen members of the National Watermelon Association (NWA) to support the joint NWA – CHEP effort to boost productivity and reduce the carbon footprint of the watermelon industry. As part of the program, CHEP helps fund several of the trade group’s many activities, including research, lobbying and consumer promotion.

“Sun State Produce Sales is a great example of the three-way partnerships emerging from the produce business with the grocer-shipper, the trade group and CHEP all working together to add value to the supply chain and ensure that only fresh and damage-free product is offered to the shopper,” said Tim Smith, Vice President, New Business Development, CHEP USA.

About Sun State Produce Sales

Sun State Produce Sales is a privately held shipper of watermelons with corporate offices in Clermont, FL. The company ships branded Sun State Produce Sales watermelons from one farm in Florida, two in Georgia, six in Indiana and one in Missouri to retailers and wholesalers across the Midwest.

About CHEP

CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies. The company has more than 7,000 employees and operates in 45 countries. Combining superior technology and an asset base of more than 300 million pallets and containers, CHEP offers its customers exceptional value, a platform that enables reduction in customer product damage, and an environmentally sustainable logistical solution. Supply chains served include consumer goods, produce, beverage, and the automotive industry. With global partners that include Procter & Gamble, SYSCO, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestle, Ford and GM, CHEP is known for Handling the World's Most Important Products. Everyday. For more information about CHEP, please visit: www.chep.com.