India's fresh produce exports navigated logistics challenges in 2025, with freight costs and compliance pressures impacting shipments. Biplop Barik, CEO of Citrus Freight, says: "This year brought sharp challenges, but we've kept exporters connected to global markets without disruptions."
"Freight rates have seen a sharp increase due to global disruptions like the Red Sea crisis and ongoing ripple effects from the Ukraine conflict," Barik explains. "Fuel cost hikes raised refrigerated shipment expenses, while EU and Middle East phytosanitary rules tightened quality checks and increased the complexity of export compliance. As a result, shipment volumes for some lower-margin products like table grapes and vegetables dipped slightly," he added.
© Citrus Freight
According to Barik, demand for premium categories such as exotic fruits and frozen produce has remained strong, as buyers continue to prioritize quality and reliable delivery, even at higher prices. "Our platform has helped SME exporters remain competitive despite these global pressures through real-time price discovery and AI-driven vessel scheduling," he mentions.
"We're using technology, optimizing routes, and securing reliable reefer container capacity. What used to take 72 hours, whether it is getting freight quotes, AD code registrations, port paperwork, or booking containers, can now be done in just 10 minutes," he explains, highlighting Citrus Freight's mobile app integrated with port and customs systems for streamlined shipment rate discovery, booking, tracking and document generation.
Barik emphasized how documentation delays have always been one of the biggest bottlenecks for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) exporters, often leading to missed shipping schedules and increased spoilage risks. "By easing paperwork for perishables like table grapes, pomegranates, bananas, and frozen produce, we were able to lower in-transit spoilage by 40% in 2025," he noted, citing real-time temperature monitoring, predictive alerts, and pre-stuffing container inspections as other key reasons.
© Citrus Freight
Citrus Freight uses ice battery technology in first-mile logistics to ensure consistent cooling without diesel gensets, which enhances reliability and sustainability for sensitive crops, according to Barik.
"Looking ahead, we will leverage an ongoing $1 million funding round to enhance AI and ice battery adoption for cold-chain logistics of frozen and fresh produce. An expanded presence from Nhava Sheva to Mundra Port and South India's agri-hubs will strengthen supply chains, targeting trade lanes to Russia, Europe, and the Gulf," Barik concludes.
For more information:
Biplop Barik
Citrus Freight
Email: [email protected]
www.citrusfreight.com
