For the first time ever, a charter boat loaded exclusively with fresh Chilean fruit arrived at the port of Shanghai, China, the largest port in cargo volume in the world. The shipment of 4,000 tons of fruit, from 30 exporting companies, was received by authorities of both countries.
In December 2012, the Dalian Yidu Group, one of the largest fresh fruit importers in China, pioneered the use of cargo charter flights for shipment from Chile. Since then, this type of transport has become one of the most used means to transport fresh fruit from Chile to China.
Dalian Yidu Group decided to innovate with a maritime charter, exclusively loaded with Chilean fruit. The arrival of this shipment was celebrated in the port of Shanghai by authorities, businessmen, operators and agents, who highlighted the alternative for supplying the Chinese market.
"In 2017, Chile became the main exporter of fresh fruit to the Chinese market, in terms of value," stated Cesar Suarez, the commercial attache of Chile in Shanghai, who added that logistics had been fundamental to reaching that position.
According to Suarez, the delay times of maritime transport and the demand of fresh fruit in high season, imply enormous efforts for the supply of Chinese consumers. "Maritime charter will undoubtedly help Chile supply its fresh fruit to the final consumers in the conditions, times, and quantities that they demand," he said.
According to the authorities of both countries, the operation will have a far-reaching impact and the potential to influence the way the fruit is transported to China. The 4,000 ton shipment included: blueberries, cherries, nectarines, grapes, and plums from Valparaíso, to be distributed in all of China.
Source: marcotradenews.com