IFCO Crowned FPC Fresh Awards Business Service Partner of the Year
- gillmcshane
- Oct 15, 2025
- 3 min read
International packaging provider IFCO has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to supporting the UK fresh produce industry through the group’s circular pooling system for reusable packaging containers (RPCs).
The global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh produce was named Business Service Partner of the Year at the FPC Fresh Awards 2025, organised by the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and held on 26 September at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London.
A partnership approach and measurable impact across the supply chain made IFCO a truly deserving winner, said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC).
“IFCO’s innovative circular model demonstrates exactly what our industry needs – and practical, scalable solutions that deliver both commercial and environmental gains,” commented Jenney. “It’s a shining example of how collaboration and innovation can work hand in hand to drive sustainability within the UK fresh produce sector.”
IFCO is actively shaping a cleaner, smarter, and sustainable future for the fresh produce supply chain with its range of RPCs. Tailored to a diverse range of crops, the standardised crates replace single-use packaging with an efficient circular pooling system that results in less food waste, reduced cost, and a lower environmental impact.
Through strategic industry collaboration and hands-on support, the business is determined to redefine best practise in fresh produce logistics by addressing key supply chain challenges.
UK retailer Asda is one such industry partner to appreciate the value of IFCO’s approach. “Our partnership with IFCO reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable supply chain,” explained Gavin Town, Asda’s Senior Manager – National Fleet.
“The efficiency and environmental benefits of IFCO’s solutions are crucial to our operational strategy. Their trays have also revolutionised our produce department, making merchandising easier and enhancing the overall customer quality perception,” Town added.
UK-Wide Service Supports Circular Economy
Operating from six automated service centres across the UK, IFCO supplies sanitised, food-safe RPCs to growers for packing fresh produce. Once used, the containers are collected from retailers, inspected, cleaned, and returned to circulation. At the end of their long service life, they are recycled into new RPCs of the same high quality and performance.
At the heart of this approach is the SmartCycle™, IFCO’s fully managed pooling system that goes far beyond crate rental. Each RPC is designed for durability, foldability, and up to 120 reuse cycles, helping growers and retailers cut costs, improve efficiency, and advance on their ambitious sustainability goals.
In 2024, IFCO’s SmartCycle delivered measurable environmental benefits across the UK fresh produce supply chain, including 105.9 million kg of CO₂ emissions avoided, 247.9 million kg of solid waste eliminated, 10 million m³ of water saved, and 10.6 million kg less product damage. These savings are equivalent to taking more than 76,000 cars off UK roads for a year or conserving enough water for 252 million five-minute showers.
Winning the FPC Fresh Awards 2025 Business Service Partner of the Year award is a reflection of these achievements, the company said.
“This award reflects the trust our growers, retailers, and supply chain partners place in us, and the results we achieve together in efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability,” pointed out Chris Taylor, Managing Director, IFCO UK.
The FPC Fresh Awards celebrates excellence among the growers, retailers, supply chain providers, and individual leaders who work across the fresh produce and floral industries in the UK as well as their supporting global partners.
Welcoming 600 guests, the 2025 edition of the annual event was hailed as a celebration of industry excellence after bringing together the biggest and brightest in the industry to honour achievement, innovation, and success.
Comments