IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods, has been named a Best Managed Company for the second year in a row. The award is presented by Deloitte Private, UBS, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and the Federation of German Industries (BDI). It recognizes exceptionally well-managed companies that demonstrate excellence across four key areas: strategy, productivity & innovation, culture & commitment, and governance & finance.
Circularity and digitalization at the heart of IFCO’s growth strategy
Sustainability, efficiency, and transparency are becoming increasingly important across the fresh food supply chain. IFCO addresses these priorities through a circular business model that combines reusable packaging solutions with digital technologies. Through its 2030 strategy, “Thriving with Purpose,” the company is further aligning growth with environmental, social, and governance priorities to create long-term value for customers, employees, partners, and the environment.
Since its founding in 1992, IFCO has pioneered and scaled the circular model for reusable packaging solutions in the fresh food supply chain. At the heart of this model is the IFCO SmartCycle, showcasing how reusable packaging containers (RPCs) are collected, washed and made available again after each use. With more than 2,200 employees, IFCO helps customers build more sustainable and resilient supply chains by reducing packaging waste, lowering CO₂e emissions, cutting food waste, and improving efficiency and food safety.
A key focus of IFCO’s future strategy is the digitalization of the supply chain. The company is investing in digital innovations that enhance transparency and control in fresh food logistics. IFCO Digital offers Tracking-as-a-Service for reusable packaging containers and pallets, without requiring any additional infrastructure on the customer side. The solution makes relevant supply chain data visible in near-real time, helping customers manage inventory more effectively, reduce losses, and monitor the temperature conditions of sensitive fresh products.
“The Best Managed Company 2026 award confirms our direction: combining business success, responsible leadership and sustainability. Through our 2030 Strategy and IFCO Digital, we are advancing our circular model for reusable transport packaging and creating smarter, more transparent and more resilient fresh food supply chains – with measurable benefits for our customers, the environment and future generations,” said Mike Pooley, CEO of IFCO.
“The Best Managed designation recognizes outstanding leadership that creates stability while continuing to drive progress. IFCO is backed by a motivated team that takes responsibility based on strong values – for its employees, the market, and society. The company has a distinctive culture that combines business strength with a clear contribution to the common good,” said Markus Seiz, Director at Deloitte Private and Head of the Best Managed Companies Program.
