The first specialized perishables vessel from Veracruz, Mexico, to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, is set to sail the second week of September for the direct sea route from 12 days, reducing total transit time by 10 to 15 days. In an alliance with Greensea, part of the Seatrade Group, United Producers of Mexico has worked together with exporters from Mexico to make it happen. Just in time for the avocado window for Mexico on the European market.
Greensea is an experienced perishables carriers, with a modern fleet with experts on board that closely monitor all aspects for the best results for the shippers. Greensea has included worldwide recognized captains and specialists to guarantee a good flow of all operational aspects. Arriving at AgroMerchants in Rotterdam with an equally vast experience in handling these operations, the team is complete.
This new 12-day route is the most important game changer for Mexican exporters to position themselves on the market as a strong player for fresh fruit. One of the main issues that have until now held back Mexican exporters to have a strong presence in the European market, has been the long transit time from farm to fork.
Three main hurdles for good access on the European market for Mexican exporters have now been attended to due to the hard work during the last years by the exporters with the goal to obtain improved results for their clients in Europe:
- Certifications for the EU market: the last years many exporters have obtained Global Gap and social certifications for their export products.
- Quality Control in origin: Control Union Mexico has set up a QC program in origin in participating packstations before the fruit leaves for export, allowing exporters to present a QC report before shipping the fruit, as well as vessel inspection at port of Veracruz.
- Direct Sea Connection: the main hurdle for Mexican exporters has now been overcome with the start of this first direct sea route.
Since the Greensea vessel is mostly a ship with underdeck space, some exporters initially had some questions about the palletized sea transport. After several webinars and meetings together with the experts of Greensea, Control Union, AgroMerchants Rotterdam, Port of Veracruz, Port of Rotterdam and Wageningen University, the exporters are convinced this is an excellent opportunity to begin this new sea route.
Landfreight connections in Europe from the arrival port of Rotterdam to all other countries are available within 24 hours after arrival to Spain, UK, France, Belgium, Germany and Scandinavia.
UPM has two logistics partners in Mexico for the internal logistics handling with wide experience in handling of perishables to Europe: RH Shipping and SeaCargo.
In the Netherlands, UPM works together with partner VDH Logistics & Transport for logistics and transport handling.
For more information:
Lia Bijnsdorp
United Producers of Mexico
Email: lia.bijnsdorp@upmeurope.nl
www.upmeurope.nl