What Will Fresh Del Monte Gain from Container Shipping?

Fresh Del Monte, a company in the production, marketing and distribution of fruit and vegetables, teams up with logistics provider CMA CGM Group.

Together, they embark on a new chapter by introducing containerised shipping services for exports of fresh bananas and pineapples.

This collaboration marks a fresh path away from conventional methods. It leads to improved quality, dependability and cold chain precision for imports in Northeast Asia.

Reasons for transitioning from breakbulk vessels

For many years, breakbulk vessels have been used to transport bananas and pineapples to Japan and Korea.

These cargo ships, intended for large or irregular items, do not allow for containerisation, which causes the fruit to face inconsistent temperatures and multiple handling, leading to issues in preserving fruit quality.

With the transition to fully containerised shipments, Fresh Del Monte and CMA CGM deliver a tactical advancement in logistics.

“Customer satisfaction starts long before the fruit reaches the shelf, it begins with how we move it,” said Raul Saca, SVP, Global Logistics at Fresh Del Monte.

He adds: “By transitioning to dedicated container vessels, we’re not only improving cold chain reliability and minimising damage but also creating a more agile, scalable logistics model that better serves our retail partners across Asia.”

Unlike breakbulk methods, containerised approaches maintain the fruit in stable, temperature-regulated conditions from the source to the customer.

Additionally, this method reduces the carbon footprint due to its efficiency.

This results in increased capacity, less wastage and consistently superior quality of bananas and pineapples for retailers and consumers alike.

“This partnership with Fresh Del Monte reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction,” says Bo Wegener, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific. 

He adds: “In addition to benefits from containerization, CMA CGM’s expertise in fruits and fresh produce logistics offers improved solutions that add value to both producers and consumers.”

CMA CGM also offers specific routes:

• JP8 Service: Newly enhanced for direct connections from Davao to Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Moji, ensuring swift delivery to Japan.
• BMX Service: Offers a premium weekly route from Davao to Busan, South Korea.

Environmental and sustainability advantages

Beyond operational benefits, containerised shipping offers environmental perks. CMA CGM invests in eco-friendly ships like LNG-powered and biofuel-compatible vessels.

Reducing the need for handling, optimising the use of space and minimising port duration all contribute to less emissions per cargo unit.

Fresh Del Monte’s strategy aligns with its sustainability goals, seeking to cut down on food waste and carbon emissions through its operations.

This move parallels a broader trend in agrifood logistics, where climate-centric practices are prioritised while maintaining freshness and quality.