Some of the Sicilian companies discussed how they are to ship their citrus fruit to China as part of the export agreement between Italy and China as well as to an expert in logistics.
The Chinese delegation visited the fields and processing/packaging line at Altieri Giacomo & Figlio in November 2015. The company is located in the Catania province and is part of the Red Cop PO.
We have talked to Pascal Altieri (in the photo below), Giacomo's son, for a comment on the possibility of exporting their produce already from the 2016/17 season.
"We have been exporting to the US for the past 40 years, so we have a lot of experience with long transit times (shipping to the US takes 20 days). The fruit is subjected to an anti-rot treatment during processing and - more importantly - to the cold treatment. We place the produce in our cold-storage units for three days where it is taken to a temperature below 0°C."
"We are very interested in the Chinese market. Phytosanitary protocols are very rigorous, but it is understandable. When the Chinese delegation visited our facility in November, we realised they do appreciate our productions."
Trains could be the only viable option
Alessandro Lunardi (former reefer manager for Maersk), explained that the transit time between Sicily and China takes a minimum of 35 days, so it is quite difficult to make sure the produce reaches its destination in good condition.
"The current crisis that affects the maritime shipment sector has led shipping companies to opt for routes with more stopovers. Everybody is trying to save money, but this makes the system less efficient."
Pallets being loaded at Altieri.
Air transport had already been tried in the past for the shipment of red oranges to Japan, "but it is quite expensive, as rates are 5 or 6 times more expensive."
"The only alternative could be shipping the produce by train, but we will have to see if there is somebody interested in this option. Some projects had been made a few years ago, but they were shelved. From Sicily there would have to be a system to take the goods at least to Munich, then it would only take 15 days to reach China."