7 Feb 2011

HTA is urging all growers and retailers to register all trolleys with Container Centralen (CC)

“Operation Chip It” introduced highly secure RFID tags to all declared CC trolleys on 10 January 2011.  These will protect the CC pool against counterfeit low quality trolleys, and effectively stop CC customers paying for the maintenance of fake trolleys and subsidising the maintenance costs of those who are not signed up to the scheme.  CC have 3.5 million trolleys in circulation and it is estimated that there could be as many as one million unregistered or illegally tagged trolleys in the market.  

CC are running an amnesty on untagged trolleys for existing or new customers.  Any trolleys that meet the CC quality requirements can be entered into the pool before 31 May and receive an RFID tag at a cost of £15 per trolley , plus a forward annual maintenance commitment of £8.13.    Thereafter, the amnesty will end and the full purchase price of approx £50 per trolley will apply.  CC have committed to reducing the maintenance contract by €0.50 in 2012 and again in 2013 as a result of savings achieved through Operation Chip It.  Overall the change will reduce costs for CC pool members in the longer term.

The RFID security device allows pool members to scan CC trolleys and identify whether they are legitimate.  Counterfeit tags may appear in the market, but they will fail the IBM encryption technology.  CC clients can purchase scanners through three IBM approved providers, details of which can be found on www.operation-chip-it.com.

The HTA strongly urges all growers and retailers to review their CC trolley usage and register their requirements with Container Centralen under the amnesty as soon as possible.  Failure to do so could result in trolley gridlock as CC clients refuse to exchange trolleys that are not in the pool.  With the concentrated peak period between Easter and the May Bank Holiday in 2011, this could bring the industry to a halt.

Speaking on the matter HTA President, Caroline Owen of Scotsdale Garden Centre said “Whilst this change does appear to add cost to businesses in the short term there will be a longer term pay-off for those in the CC pool.  As a retailer I have to accept that this is not just an issue for growers and that for the whole CC system to work effectively then we, and all retailers using Danish trolleys, do need to be part of the CC pool and ensure we do our part to maintain an efficient supply chain.  Retailers who are not ready for this change will face major problems in the Spring and I would encourage all members to take this seriously.”

Additional information can be found at www.operation-chip-it.com  or from Container Centralen on 01322 294267.

HorticultureTrends
News . Advertising . Sales . Marketing . Business Development & Support. 
Expertise, Practical Know-how, Passion for the Horticulture Fresh Produce & Lifestyle Sectors...

Offices: Suite 5,  64 Dame Street . Dublin 2 . Ireland . Location: Map & Directions
      
Mobile: 353 (0)87.9212044  

Email: jblair@hortitrends.com     

  HortiTrends: Reg - 215696   
GardenGuide: Reg - 430507