REWE and Cimcorp automate fresh supply chain for Berlin supermarkets and stores

Working with Cimcorp, REWE has opened an automated fulfilment centre for fresh produce in Oranienburg, which is designed to handle ultra-fast, error free distribution of fruit and vegetables to over 370 supermarkets and 580 stores in the greater Berlin region.

“In fresh food logistics, every minute counts and every delivery is critical,” says Matthias Menzel, General Manager at REWE’s Oranienburg Logistics Centre. “Missing the delivery window means a significant financial loss. That’s why we invested in automation that delivers absolute reliability, real-time control and the capacity to serve Berlin and the surrounding regions.”

Each day, around 29,000 units are handled by Cimcorp’s automated order picking system at the centre, with material flows governed by the company’s warehouse control system (WCS). The software manages everything from inbound barcode scanning and depalletising, through inventory and picking, to precise outbound labelling and shipping.

“Our customers expect that our reliability increases every year,” says Menzel. “As stores learn that they can trust our deliveries, it brings improvement not just to our logistics, but right through to the customer experience in the store. We’re no longer fighting to fill overtime hours; instead, our staff are excited to work with new technology and see the benefits of automation in their daily roles.” 

Labour availability has become a significant challenge for retailers. “Finding employees for the physically demanding jobs in warehouses, especially when it comes to the heavy lifting needed for fruit and vegetables, is getting harder every year,” says Menzel.

“Cimcorp automation removes the daily strain from our teams. With this solution, our people can focus on work that is safer, more rewarding and less exhausting. Automation both addresses real ergonomic and labour challenges for warehouse staff and creates a modern, attractive workplace with more sustainable jobs and less physical strain.”

“True operational excellence depends on partnership, fast adaptation and continuous improvement,” says Riku Puska, Sales Manager at Cimcorp Group. “Together with REWE, our teams have created a solution that fits seamlessly into their existing operations, backed by round the clock service and training. That’s how we deliver not just performance today, but peace of mind for the future.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.