Countdown has announced plans for a $99 million, state-of-the-art, fresh distribution centre in Rolleston, Canterbury.
The 11,000sq m development will service stores across the South Island, and transform how Countdown moves fresh produce from local growers to its customers.
Countdown director of property Matt Grainger says the investment in the new temperature-controlled centre is critical to ensuring South Island customers see superior, locally-grown produce on shelves that’s as fresh as it was when it left the orchard, farm or packhouse.
“With this purpose-built development, we’re investing in new technology and cutting-edge design to streamline the supply chain,” Grainger says.
“Our growers can take pride in what Kiwis see on the shelves, with their produce arriving to store exactly how they intended.”
Cool chain integrity has been the driving factor of the new distribution centre’s design, with produce arriving on cooled trucks into a refrigerated inbound tunnel before being quickly moved into one of the varied temperature-controlled zones or ripening rooms.
More refrigerated trucks will mean fruit and vegetables are kept at the right temperature at every point through the supply chain to stores across the South Island.
Grainger explains that this process won’t just give customers the benefit of fresher produce, it will also dramatically cut down spoilage and prevent produce from going to waste.
“Food waste is a massive issue in New Zealand, and while we can all make changes at a household level, Countdown has the opportunity to make a difference on a much larger scale by optimising our processes and equipment right across the supply chain.
“Our customers will get incredible locally-grown produce, and we’re a step closer in our mission to reduce Countdown’s impact on the environment,” Grainger says.
The new facility itself will also be kinder to the planet, with solar power, rainwater harvesting and low energy-use condensers throughout.
The build has been designed to strict Green Star standards in keeping with Countdown’s goal of all new buildings receiving a 4 Green Star rating or higher, which will be raised to a 5 Green Star rating on all new builds by 2025.
The Christchurch Fresh Distribution Centre is expected to open in early 2024, and Countdown will be recruiting what it says is a passionate team of 55 to become fresh produce experts.
