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Fresh Del Monte Produce has partnered with  international logistics group CMA CGM to modernise the shipping of bananas and pineapples from the Philippines to Northeast Asia.

This collaboration introduces a containerised shipping service that enhances cold chain standards, ensuring superior fruit quality and reducing handling risks.

Historically, breakbulk shipping has been the norm for transporting these tropical fruits to markets in Japan and South Korea. This traditional method, characterised by the exposure of fruit to fluctuating temperatures and multiple handling stages, has often compromised quality.

The transition to containerised shipping represents a significant advancement, marking a shift towards more efficient and reliable logistics.

The new service operates on two key routes managed by CNC, CMA CGM’s Intra-Asia specialist:

• JP8 Service: This route provides fast, direct connections from Davao to major Japanese ports, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Moji.

• BMX Service: This flagship route offers a stable weekly connection from Davao to Busan, South Korea.

“Customer satisfaction starts long before the fruit reaches the shelf—it begins with how we move it,” said Raul Saca, SVP of global logistics at Fresh Del Monte. “By transitioning to dedicated container vessels, we’re not only improving cold chain reliability and minimising damage but also creating a more agile, scalable logistics model that better serves our retail partners across Asia.”

By using dedicated container vessels, the partnership aims to enhance cold chain reliability, minimise damage and create an agile logistics model that meets the growing demands of retail partners in Asia.

The containerised approach maintains consistent, temperature-controlled conditions throughout the shipping process, significantly reducing the risk of spoilage and waste.

Each container functions as a mobile cold room, preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the fruits. This not only improves the logistical efficiency but also aligns with sustainability goals by lowering the carbon footprint associated with fruit transportation.

CMA CGM’s advanced Climactive controlled atmosphere containers and smart technology solutions further enhance this process by slowing ripening and preserving nutritional value. These provide customers with real-time tracking and data about their shipments, ensuring transparency and reliability.

“This partnership with Fresh Del Monte reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction,” added Bo Wegener, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific. The collaboration aims to deliver enhanced logistics solutions that create value for both producers and consumers.