"What for some is a threat, for others can be an opportunity"

The logistics company El Mosca has a fleet of 1,200 vehicles circulating across Europe, as well as a maritime and air division that operates on the five continents. Fruit Logistica served to present its new delegation in Portugal, which will allow them to ship to Latin America and the Middle East, especially Extremaduran stonefruit and tomatoes for processing.

The current Spanish vegetable campaign has so far been tough for all parts of the chain due to adverse weather conditions. It has not only been difficult for the producers, who have suffered the loss of their harvest, but also for marketers, who do not have all the merchandise they need to supply their customers, and for distribution chains themselves, which have not been able to prevent the prices of several of their products from skyrocketing, thus taking a toll on consumption.

"It is an unpleasant situation for all," states Pedro José Hernández, general manager of El Mosca. "If the product does not arrive from the field, logistics firms have little work to do and this affects our businesses," he explains.

The recent economic crisis, which caused fuel prices to increase, has led to the collapse of numerous transport companies in Spain. "Both the fluctuation in fuel prices and the unexpected weather conditions are major threats to this sector. However, what for some is a real threat, for others it may be a good opportunity to demonstrate that they are prepared to face any problems with a good service," affirms Pedro José Hernández.

Over the last 5 years, this Murcia-based company has grown by 22% a year. "We want to continue expanding by offering our clients customised services. Our secret is finding out what they need and offering it," assures the manager. "To this end, we have good, young and qualified staff, and this is paramount to continue growing."

The reality is that competition in the perishable transport sector is very tough, and according to José Antonio Flores, Deputy General Manager of El Mosca, "the sector has become very professional in recent years, especially overseas with the shipment of reefer containers. The world is becoming more globalised and there are increasingly specialised producers in particular areas, as well as an export boom, which is leading to increasingly specific logistics needs. Therefore, a growing concentration of these services is taking place in the sector."

"Spain is an increasingly major production hub for the entire world, and its ports are increasingly involved in this process. There is still a long way to go and a lot to offer in the logistics sector, given the high prices of air transport," adds José Antonio Flores.

On the other hand, they highlighted the good feedback from Fruit Logistica. "We don't really come to this fair to sell anything, but to meet our customers and chat with the visitors; that is, to share good moments in a healthy and pleasant environment. The new contacts made will open up new and interesting business opportunities," conclude Pedro José Hernández and José Antonio Flores.