“Berkman always sees and hears you.”
By Allan Bergefurt
Oriental Merchant is a leading importer of Asian food products, sourcing directly from Asia and supplying both European and UK markets. We’ve worked with them for twenty-five years now. How does Oriental Merchant view this partnership? Allan Bergefurt, Customs & Inbound Shipping Manager at Oriental Merchant, shares his thoughts: “Berkman’s flexibility and deep knowledge of customs procedures are unmatched. Coupled with their extensive network in Asia, they’ve proven to be the best partner to work with. That remains true to this day.”
Smooth and efficient collaboration
Oriental Merchant's imports primarily consist of full containers from various Asian countries. “When we were searching for a reliable logistics partner, Berkman stood out because of their strong presence in Asia. Their network of offices and agents ensures smooth operations,” Allan says about their decision to choose Berkman. This is crucial for Oriental Merchant, not only because their products are sourced directly from Asia, but also because they deal with food products, which often undergo strict import inspections.
“The entire customs process, including the necessary inspections, is very complex. Berkman handles most of this for us, taking a huge load off our shoulders. It means we spend less time worrying about customs and can focus on other things. This ensures our cooperation runs smoothly and efficiently,” Allan explains.
Standing out with personal contact
The efficiency and speed of their collaboration are vital, but what really sets the partnership apart for Allan is Berkman’s personal touch. “In an era where many companies rely on automated systems and chatbots, Berkman stands out by prioritizing human interaction.” And, combined with their expertise, that personal approach is the perfect formula. “Every shipment is different. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and you often must improvise. In those moments, it’s a relief to have personal contact with knowledgeable people, like those at Berkman.”
This personal connection also promotes efficiency. Allan notes, “Familiar faces mean you know what to expect from each other, you build trust and a strong working relationship. Even if there’s been less contact for a while, they always give us a call just to catch up.”
Digital dashboard: excelling in information sharing
An added benefit for Oriental Merchant is Berkman’s digital dashboard. “The dashboard is a great tool for us to keep track of shipments in both Europe and the UK,” Allan says. The dashboard provides detailed information, making planning and monitoring container shipments more efficient. “It simplifies communication and helps us anticipate changes more quickly and accurately. It saves us from making phone calls, writing emails, and sending messages.”
Responsive and flexible
Berkman’s responsiveness and flexibility define their cooperation with Oriental Merchant. “Whether it’s standard shipments or complex customs issues, Berkman always finds the right solution and remains highly dedicated. They respond immediately and are always available. Recently, an issue came up in the evening, but even then, they were reachable by phone and took the time to help.”
Their proactive attitude and hands-on approach ensure that Oriental Merchant can count on swift logistical solutions at any time. “If I ask a question, I get an answer quickly. Berkman always listens and responds, even if the question isn’t directly related to our business. They tell me right away what’s needed. There’s always a plan of action, they’re incredibly helpful, and nothing is ever too complicated.”
Even when external factors come into play, like Brexit, Berkman doesn’t falter. “Brexit had a significant impact on us, but Berkman stayed on top of things. That’s what defines this partnership: together, we always find a solution. You need a strong partner on the other side of the line, and Berkman consistently proves that they are just that.”
Berkman and Oriental Merchant: a promising future
Looking ahead, Allan is optimistic about the future of the partnership between Oriental Merchant and Berkman. It’s not just the upward trend in sales but also the strong collaboration that makes him confident. “Berkman maintains a high standard, which we appreciate. It helps us stay ahead of the competition and meet growing market demands. When you work together with that goal in mind, it creates a foundation based on continuity and reliability. That can only lead to an even brighter future. Never change a winning team,” Allan concludes.
Want to learn more?
Curious how we can make your imports from Asia smoother, simpler, and more transparent? Find out more about our services here.
