Robinson Fresh notes changing retail trend in pandemic
Robinson Fresh, Eden Prairie, Minn., continues to operate without service disruptions, including supply capabilities from Central and South America, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The C.H. Robinson division reports that its inventories are adequate and distribution services are fully functional, but it did see a decrease in produce the first half of April.
“We continue to see (stock-keeping unit) rationalization in the retail vertical as retailers work to better manage inventory and distribution capacity,” according to a news release from the company.
Significant swings in ordering patterns have made it difficult to make projections.
“In addition, direct store delivery requests have been highly variable with some retailers pushing hard in this area while others have closed their programs and shifted resources elsewhere,” Michael Castagnetto, president of Robinson Fresh, said in the release.
Robinson Fresh is monitoring the supply chain in Mexico, including growers and the effects of a shelter-in-place directive on harvest and shipping.
“Given our flexible supply strategy, we continue to meet the needs of customers inquiring about products and supply chain solutions,” according to the release.
For more information on the effects of the virus on the supply chain and how it's affecting retailers, see The Packer's COVID-10 coverage.
Related stories:
Produce industry steps in to help during pandemic
Produce companies help with donations, services during pandemic
