Fresh food logistics places high demands on automation and packaging. At EDEKA’s NORDfrische Center, the logistics setup needed to support a large product range, frequent deliveries, and store-friendly sequencing. 

The key requirements included:

• reliable handling of meat and meat products in a temperature-sensitive supply chain
• smooth movement through automated storage, conveyor, picking, and loading processes
• hygienic, food-safe containers suitable for repeated use
• clear identification and traceability of containers in automated workflows
• packaging that can support high daily throughput without disrupting material flow
• compatibility with different load carriers used for store delivery

The packaging had to work as part of the system, not as a separate element. In a fresh food operation, unreliable containers can affect throughput, handling quality, and process stability.

At the NORDfrische Center, goods enter the system from two main sources. Products from the neighboring production facility are conveyed directly to the picking and shipping area. Goods from external producers are registered in goods-in and prepared for storage either manually or through automated depalletizing and unstacking.

From there, containers are conveyed to the Evo Shuttle storage and picking system. The system provides 70,000 storage locations, enabling space-efficient storage and order processing.

The E-Performance bins support this process by providing a consistent container format for automated movement, storage, picking, and loading. On peak days, up to 40,000 containers are prepared for delivery to EDEKA stores. Depending on store requirements, containers are palletized or loaded into insulated containers to support cold chain requirements.