WASHINGTON, DC – United Fresh announced the opening of the Wholesaler-Distributor Operations Benchmarking Survey, designed to assist wholesalers and distributors in measuring the effectiveness of their warehouse management, transportation fleets and overall operations.
“The Wholesaler-Distributor Board put a great deal of effort into developing this survey,” said Ron Carkoski, United Fresh Chairman-elect, past Chairman of the Wholesaler-Distributor Board and president and CEO of the Four Seasons Family of Companies. “We considered what data helps us to be successful in our businesses, and had several detailed discussions on the metrics we measure and how to use them to create a valuable tool. The survey is designed to be simple for companies to complete, and I am confident that the final report will be a strong resource for our business sector.”
This confidential survey will ask wholesalers and distributors for information on their labor practices, sales practice metrics, procurement and inventory management, warehouse metrics and outbound transportation. After responses have been compiled from the industry, a final report will be developed that includes breakdowns by company size, type and geographic location. Survey participants will also receive a customized report that shows how their responses compare to the overall survey results.
To complete the survey, please visit www.UnitedFreshBenchmarking.com. The survey will be open through August 12, 2013.
“The more companies that participate, the more robust a data set we will have to inform produce wholesale and distribution companies about current business trends,” said Lisa Strube, Chairman of the Wholesaler-Distributor Board and director of finance and administration at Strube Celery & Vegetable Company. “I would encourage the sector to complete the survey and encourage friends and colleagues to do so as well.”
Once the final report is published, it will be available to members for $195 and non-members for $295. Companies who provide data through the survey will be able to purchase the report for $95. Questions about the survey can be directed to Miriam Wolk, United Fresh vice president of membership & marketing, at 202-303-3410.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. F
Source: United Fresh Produce Association