With an annual production of about 156 tons of cherries, Chile is the fourth-largest producer of cherries in the world. Besides, Chile is the world’s largest exporter of cherries. In the 2020-2021 season, Chile exported more than $2 billion worth of cherries to the world. This article is trying to illustrate the transportation of fresh produce.
How is produce transported?
-1. Find the perfect produce. Examine the fruits and vegetables to select produce that looks perfect, free from damage and bruising, and that is under-ripe.
-2. Determine the best packaging. When selecting packaging, transporters must also consider factors like how to protect produce from temperature changes. Produce like watermelons are transported in trays, while tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers are shipped in wooden or plastic crates and packets. Other items like cauliflower are packaged in plastic bags. Some sturdier fruits like bananas are stacked in bunches and pineapples are packed in rows with the leaves facing up.
-3. Load and ship the produce. Transporters must be conscious of what they are shipping, as some fruits cannot be transported together. This gas which fruits release causes certain fruits like tomatoes and peppers to ripen and spoil faster, so they must be kept separate from fruits that release the gas in large quantities.
Transporters must also consider where the cargo is going. Most countries restrict the transport of products across borders to prevent the spread of bacteria and plants that could damage their local ecosystems and thus have different rules and regulations for deliveries.
There are three main transportation options for produce: air, rail, and sea for different speed and different type of food.
The challenges:
This food loss is mainly due to spoilage of the produce while it is being transported, as well as from damage that the fruits and vegetables endure that prevent them from being able to be sold. Two main chanllenges are Temperature & humidity and Impact damages.
Another critical issue to consider is compliance. Different locations have various requirements for moving fresh produce, including food safety regulations, quality standards, and even requirements around labeling the produce itself. If organizations do not comply, they can incur heavy fines and penalties, and experience product recalls, and negative impact on their reputation as a business.
How to improve?
The use of data logging has allowed transporters to fine-tune their shipping and storage methods to ensure that produce stays safe and fresh. Data logging involves using one or multiple sensors to gather data about things like temperature, lighting, and sound to monitor the produce being shipped.
Resources: https://www.logmore.com/post/the-challenges-of-fresh-produce-logistics
The blog of Logistics at MGEPS at UPV 