Imagine a world where the delicious asparagus you enjoy in spring is flown in from Mexico, making its journey to supermarket shelves all while staying perfectly fresh. This is the reality for the produce industry, where time is of the essence. And at the heart of this process are freight forwarders, who play a crucial role in ensuring that seasonal fruit and vegetables arrive in peak condition.
The Seasonal Asparagus Rush: A Prime Example
This year, asparagus was in high demand, filling cargo planes for export to Europe and beyond. But the season is short, with just a few months to capture the market. Able Freight, a leading freight forwarder on the US West Coast, shares how they handle the asparagus rush.
“Asparagus is a seasonal crop, and we have a small window to get it to Europe,” explains Able Freight. “The demand is strong from February through spring, especially in Spain and Switzerland.” And while asparagus is their star in the spring, Able Freight moves a vast array of produce year-round, everything from mangoes and carrots to lettuce and corn, ensuring that supermarket shelves stay stocked with fresh produce.
CFI, another leading freight forwarder based on the US West Coast, also sees asparagus as a key commodity. “We focus on how we’ll ship asparagus overseas at the start of each year,” says CFI. “It’s grown in northern Mexico, close to the US border, so LAX is the perfect airport.” They have a strong presence in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and other European countries, thanks to a well-established cold chain infrastructure.
The Challenges of Keeping Produce Fresh
Even with efficient cold chain technology, shipping fresh produce presents unique challenges. The perishability of these goods necessitates meticulous planning and execution. Able Freight highlights the importance of air freight for most produce, especially during peak seasons. “Most of the items we ship must fly, with the exception of hardier items like lettuce, which can travel by sea,” they explain. “We move items by air at the start and end of the season because that’s when our products are most delicate.”
CFI emphasizes the crucial need for precise timing in their operations. “I look at the perishables season as if it were pieces of a puzzle to make right decisions,” says CFI. “So many things must align for a strong season: is the crop planted correctly, is it raining and dry at the right time, are the truckers going to be there in time?”
The Critical Cold Chain: A Layered Approach
The cold chain is the lifeblood of the produce industry, ensuring that freshness is maintained throughout the entire journey. Able Freight highlights the importance of pre-cooling and proper insulation. “Cold chain is our primary focus,” they say. “We ensure this is intact throughout the supply chain. We deliver the products to the airline four hours before departure, and during that time, they’re susceptible to temperature abuse.” They emphasize the need to keep produce pre-cooled and insulated, even during the critical transfer to the airport.
CFI further elaborates on the layered approach to cold chain management. “Our steps are rooted in maintaining the cold chain and reducing flare-ups in temperature,” they explain. “Once the product is harvested, it’s never going to get fresher.” They use a combination of coolers, insulation, gel packs, and dry ice to keep the produce at optimal temperatures. And speed is crucial. “It’s about routing as quickly as possible, at the best temperatures, and not being held up by customs or connections through weather or staffing issues.”
Finding the Right Air Cargo Partner: Reliability is Key
Choosing the right air cargo partner is essential for ensuring smooth and timely delivery of fresh produce. Able Freight underscores the importance of reliable communication. “The most important thing is reliability,” they say. “No matter what the cost, communication is non-negotiable. If there’s an issue, we need to know about it right away. We want to work collaboratively, so we can solve problems together. The communication and follow-up that IAG Cargo offers is excellent.”
CFI echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a strong network and reliable communication. “First and foremost, we’re looking for strength of network,” they say. “Do they have more direct flights out of key markets? Can they communicate when things go wrong, and make a corrective action?” They find comfort in IAG Cargo’s extensive network and transparent communication. “There are fewer mechanical issues and they communicate well, being as transparent and honest as possible when it’s tough to do so.”
By carefully managing the cold chain and partnering with reliable air cargo companies, freight forwarders like Able Freight and CFI ensure that fresh produce reaches consumers worldwide, bringing the taste of seasonality to supermarket shelves.
