What are the most effective strategies for exporting perishable goods?

1 Packaging methods

One of the most important factors for exporting perishable goods is choosing the appropriate packaging method that can protect the quality, safety, and shelf life of your products. Depending on the type, quantity, and duration of your shipment, you may need to use different materials, such as cardboard, plastic, wood, or metal. You may also need to use special packaging techniques, such as vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere packaging, or cold chain packaging, which can reduce the exposure to oxygen, moisture, or temperature changes. Additionally, you should ensure that your packaging meets the labeling, marking, and certification requirements of your destination country.

3 Storage methods

A third crucial factor for exporting perishable goods is finding the optimal storage method that can preserve the condition, quality, and value of your products. Depending on the nature, sensitivity, and demand of your products, you may need to use different storage facilities, such as warehouses, refrigerators, freezers, or containers. You may also need to use special storage techniques, such as controlled atmosphere storage, which can regulate the temperature, humidity, and gas composition of the storage environment. Furthermore, you should monitor the inventory, rotation, and distribution of your products, as well as the security and hygiene of your storage facilities.

4 Market research

A fourth essential factor for exporting perishable goods is conducting thorough market research that can help you identify the opportunities, challenges, and preferences of your target market. Depending on the size, location, and competition of your market, you may need to use different sources of information, such as trade publications, industry associations, government agencies, or market research firms. You may also need to use different methods of analysis, such as SWOT analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, or PESTLE analysis, which can assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your market, as well as the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that affect it.

5 Legal compliance

A fifth vital factor for exporting perishable goods is ensuring legal compliance with the rules and regulations of your origin and destination countries, as well as any transit countries. Depending on the type, origin, and destination of your products, you may need to obtain different permits, licenses, certificates, or approvals, such as health certificates, phytosanitary certificates, veterinary certificates, or export declarations. You may also need to pay different taxes, duties, fees, or tariffs, such as value-added tax, customs duty, inspection fee, or sanitary and phytosanitary tariff. Additionally, you should be aware of any trade agreements, restrictions, or sanctions that may affect your export activities.

6 Customer service

A sixth important factor for exporting perishable goods is providing excellent customer service that can build trust, loyalty, and satisfaction among your customers. Depending on the expectations, needs, and feedback of your customers, you may need to offer different services, such as product information, quality assurance, delivery tracking, after-sales support, or warranty. You may also need to use different channels of communication, such as phone, email, chat, or social media. Moreover, you should handle any complaints, disputes, or returns promptly, professionally, and courteously.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?