„A wide assortment of fresh, quality fruits, vegetables, and berries is one of the undeniable advantages of „Iki“, which earns great customer favor. Every day, many of our employees across the country ensure that only those goods that meet high standards reach „Iki“ stores. They stand out for their strictness – at every step from the field or greenhouse to the store shelf, we prioritize freshness,“ says Gintarė Kitovė, Head of Communications at „Iki“.
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As autumn approaches, „Iki“ shelves are colored with even more variety. There are piles of Lithuanian kitchen queens – potatoes, many beloved carrots, fresh cabbages, leeks, beets from local farms, as well as a true symbol of recent autumns – orange pumpkins. Sunflower heads delight both the eye and the palate, and the thirst for exoticism is quenched by trendy seasonal fruits like prickly pears. „Iki“ has one of the widest assortments of fruits and vegetables in Lithuania, so this category receives special care.
The entire freshness journey at „Iki“ includes not only a 3-level check but also begins even before the goods ripen – by selecting reliable suppliers with whom quality parameters are agreed upon.
„We closely cooperate with Lithuanian growers with many years of experience who cultivate the types of fruits and vegetables favored and valued by „Iki“ customers. For example, many different varieties of „Bitutė“ tomatoes are grown according to our order so that everyone can find the most suitable one for themselves. Customers are also accustomed to looking for the first new seasonal harvest goods with us, which reach them just as they ripen. We create such leadership in fruit and vegetable trade by caring both about the variety of supply and maintaining a high quality bar,“ says G. Kitovė.
To ensure maximum freshness, much effort is made so that the goods reach residents’ tables as quickly as possible. However, „Iki“ makes no compromises on quality because of this. The network works only with reliable partners, but even then, no batch of fresh fruits and vegetables reaches store shelves without passing a strict inspection.
The exceptional attention to quality at „Iki“ is demonstrated by the network’s long-standing implementation of a 3-level freshness check, which is the same for all – both fresh Lithuanian harvest and exotic goods.
Fruit color is even checked in the „Iki“ mini laboratory
Fresh goods from suppliers’ hands do not go to warehouses or stores but first to a mini laboratory on wheels, established in the receiving department.
„Investments in such technology have immediately paid off because it helps us ensure that every fruit or vegetable delivered to „Iki“ by suppliers meets the approved specific quality indicators. In the laboratory, we conduct various tests: we check fruit firmness, sugar concentration, juice content, and even whether the color meets established criteria. Each batch also undergoes sensory property checks. So we take care of freshness and quality from every angle,“ says Aldona Čepulis, Quality Manager of the „Iki“ retail network.
This work is responsibly performed by professionals who constantly deepen their knowledge and competencies. Employees of the receiving and quality control department receive monthly training, providing knowledge about different fruits and vegetables: additional information about plant properties, varieties, diseases, and growth defects is given. Once a year, employees also attend training organized by „Rewe“.
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What suits bananas won’t suit berries: warehouses with three temperature levels
„It is important for us to offer customers the freshest goods possible, so fruits and vegetables do not linger in warehouses and are stored for a minimal period. However, even if stored for a short time, ideal conditions must be ensured in warehouses, which differ for various types,“ emphasizes A. Čepulis.
„Iki“ has warehouses with three temperature levels. Berries and salads require temperatures up to 6 degrees, fruits – 6–10 °C, and, for example, bananas – above 10 degrees. Each type of fresh fruit and vegetable goes where it is optimal to store it. Additionally, the necessary humidity is maintained in warehouses, and storage and quality control are performed.
Continuous control also on store shelves
Quality control of fresh fruits and vegetables does not end with the laboratory and proper storage. Fruits and vegetables that have passed the initial inspection stages and reached „Iki“ stores continue to be monitored.
A. Čepulis explains that store employees regularly check whether fruits and vegetables in the store still meet the highest quality and freshness requirements. They inspect, sort, and replenish them with fresh ones several times a day.
Step up – and save up to 20% on fruits and vegetables at „Iki“
„Iki“ wants to contribute to forming healthier habits and approaches this task comprehensively. Not only does it care about a wide variety of quality fresh fruits and vegetables, but it also encourages movement and rewards it with exclusive discounts.
„For many years, we have gathered thousands of people for cheerful „Iki“ walking competitions held in various places across Lithuania. But we invite you to walk not only during events. All our customers who walk 20,000 steps using the „Walk15“ app can exchange them for a 20% discount on fruits and vegetables at any „Iki“ store,“ notes G. Kitovė.
G. Kitovė reminds that it is easy to take advantage of all the best „Iki“ offers – useful promotions, various discounts, and special offers are announced in „Iki“ store publications, on the website www.iki.lt, and in the mobile app. There, customers will also find personal offers and collect points by participating in the loyalty program, which can be exchanged for valuable prizes or discounts.
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