These are the first Volvo vehicles to join the fleet of the chilled food and drinks logistics specialist. They will support the Culina network to ensure that supermarket chiller cabinets across the country are kept stocked with leading products, including desserts, yogurts, fresh juices, cheeses and pizzas.

To achieve Euro 5 compliance, which will reduce all vehicle emissions and comes into force in 2009, the trucks use Volvo’s SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology.

According to Culina’s managing director, Rien Brakel, the company moved straight to Euro 5 on environmental grounds as part of a long-term, company-wide programme that involves scrutinizing the carbon footprint of the total operation.

Rien explained: “As the premier chilled supply chain operator we are committed to developing greener supply chain solutions for our customers that are cost-effective. “We reviewed the different technologies and undertook a thorough trial of vehicles; we believe the Volvo trucks provide a better overall system.”

Culina, which operates from three strategic locations in the UK, will use the new Volvos as primary distribution vehicles to make deliveries of chilled food and drink products to retailers’ regional distribution centres.