How Air Cargo is Keeping Perishable Food Fresh
Consumer appetite for fresh food is pushing logistics companies to rethink how quickly and efficiently perishable products can travel across borders.
Air cargo is now a central player in this effort, moving fresh produce worldwide in hours rather than days.
IAG Cargo reports a 21% increase in perishable goods volumes in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, reflecting the wider shift towards global cold chains.
Fresh demand from changing tastes
The ‘State of Grocery Retail Europe 2025’ report from McKinsey outlines the shift in food buying patterns.
It notes: "Consumer preferences are changing. A new generation of shoppers is evolving. And despite low overall volume growth, there are pockets of potential growth in European grocery."
Among the most promising categories are "fresh foods, healthy foods and functional foods, such as power bars, protein-rich options and sports drinks".
McKinsey identifies Gen Z shoppers as particularly health-focused, opting for higher quality, fresher items.
The report also highlights: "The net intent of European consumers to buy more high-quality, fresh products has increased by two percentage points since 2024."
This means retailers must ensure their cold chain, from harvest timing to storage and transport, is seamless.
Rodrigo Casal, Regional Commercial Americas at IAG Cargo, explains: “At IAG Cargo we understand the urgency and care fresh produce demands and work closely with our customer to meet their timeline needs.
“But these partnerships go beyond logistics. By keeping fresh goods moving, we’re also connecting producers with new markets, strengthening local economies, sustaining livelihoods and creating opportunities across the supply chain.”
From field to fork at speed
One clear example of this change is Peru’s asparagus export market. In March 2025, shipments of asparagus rose by 105% compared to March 2024, reaching 4,175 tonnes worth US$12.74m.
Spain is among the main destinations, but the produce travels to 24 countries in total.
Transport is spread across multiple operators: 40% of asparagus exports are handled by DP World, 34% by APM Terminals, 14% through Jorge Chávez International Airport and 12% via Euroandinos Port Terminals – Paita.
Air freight’s share ensures the quickest delivery, vital for produce with short shelf lives.
To support this traffic, IAG Cargo invested €1.5m (US$1.8m) in 2024 into its perishables facility at Madrid, expanding its ability to handle fruit, vegetables, meat and fish between Latin America and Europe.
Carlos Aparcana, General Manager of Peak Quality, a major Peruvian asparagus exporter, says: “With IAG Cargo we have a partner we trust. The Lima-Madrid route is essential for our supply chain, connecting us directly with our key markets in Europe.
“During our high season from September to December, we handle up to 30 tonnes of asparagus a day. Working with IAG Cargo gives us the reliability we need to meet global demand and tight deadlines.”
Cold chains beyond the runway
The push for fresher food is also reshaping ground and sea logistics.
In the US, RealCold, a storage and supply chain specialist, is expanding its network of cold storage facilities, with support from supply chain management firm Blue Yonder. These hubs keep products at set temperatures until they can be shipped to retailers.
Meanwhile, Fresh Del Monte is teaming up with CMA CGM Group to use containerised shipping services for fruit, ensuring temperature control during sea transport. This protects product quality and reduces waste on arrival.
The goal for all these companies is the same: deliver food at peak freshness while cutting spoilage.
As more suppliers and logistics operators adopt advanced cold chain methods, consumers worldwide can expect more variety of fresh goods in their local shops.
