Driving Success in the Fresh Produce Industry: 3 Key Takeaways for Cold Chain Operations

The fresh produce industry has faced numerous challenges recently, particularly when maintaining a reliable cold chain. Beyond the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, other factors have emerged as significant concerns, including the economic consequences of geopolitical events, market-influencing circumstances, driver shortages, and the heightened focus on sustainability.

These market trends took center stage at the Global Produce and Floral Show (GPFS) in Anaheim, CA – the leading event that brings together the global supply chain for produce and floral. During discussions at the show, it became evident that the fruit, vegetable, and floral industry, with their temperature-sensitive products, already operate in a complex and delicate environment. Refrigerated cargo, in particular, demands flexibility and rigorous control, as even a slight disruption can result in spoilage and significant losses. The fresh produce industry is under increasing pressure to address these challenges head-on.

Another significant topic at the event was the evolving customer behavior, especially in the United States, where there is a growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables. This demand is driven by consumers' increasing awareness of sustainability and their heightened focus on health. Consequently, there is a greater desire for regional and seasonal products, and consumers are willing to invest more time and money in their well-being. To meet these shifting demands, refrigerated supply chains must remain flexible, resilient, and responsive.

How can businesses in the fresh produce industry prepare and ensure control over their cold chain operations? Here are three key strategies we take away from GPFS this year.

1.????????? Build resilience to create an unbreakable cold chain: Businesses must focus on building resilient cold chains that can withstand unexpected disruptions. This can involve investing in robust infrastructure, such as state-of-the-art cold storage facilities and efficient transportation systems, to maintain product integrity and quality throughout the supply chain.

2.???????? Gain visibility into cold chain operations based on trust and collaboration: Our recent experience with Gülbudak Tar?m, an apple producer in Turkey, showcases the benefits of collaboration in achieving end-to-end visibility in their cold chain. By partnering with logistics providers specializing in perishable cargo, companies can optimize operations and gain real-time insights using advanced tracking and monitoring systems. This collaboration ensures freshness, reduces waste, and improves customer satisfaction, ultimately delivering high-quality products.

3.???????? Operate sustainably and efficiently: Given the growing emphasis on sustainability, businesses should strive to operate their cold chains in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner. This can involve adopting energy-efficient technologies, like Eco Delivery, optimizing transportation routes, and reducing waste throughout the supply chain. Businesses can meet consumer expectations while minimizing their environmental impact by doing so.

At Maersk, we understand the challenges the fresh produce and floral industries face. With our global network and dedicated teams of experts, we can assess your supply chain comprehensively and offer tailored cold chain solutions in North America and around the world.?

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If you have any questions or require assistance with your cold chain operations, please get in touch with our team of cold chain experts.