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CMA CGM and Fresh Del Monte are improving cold chain sustainability
CMA CGM and Fresh Del Monte are collaborating to replace traditional breakbulk shipping with more efficient cold chain-integrated solutions
Fresh Del Monte, a producer, marketer and distributor of fruit and vegetables, has partnered with CMA CGM Group to introduce containerised shipping services for bananas and pineapples.
For many years, breakbulk vessels have been the standard in transporting bananas and pineapples to Japan and Korea.
These vessels, although standard, are best suited for large, heavy or irregular items that resist containerisation.
As a result, these traditional methods can expose the fruit to variable temperatures and multiple handling phases which can harm fruit quality.
“Customer satisfaction starts long before the fruit reaches the shelf—it begins with how we move it,” says Raul Saca, SVP, 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.”
Consistency and environmental impact
Unlike breakbulk methods, the new containerised approach keeps fruit in consistent, temperature-controlled conditions from farm to customer.
It also has carbon footprint benefits due to inherent efficiency.
The outcomes include enhanced capacity, minimised waste and consistently superior quality bananas and pineapples for both retailers and consumers.
“This partnership with Fresh Del Monte reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction,” says Bo Wegener, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific.
Bo Wegener, Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Asia Pacific
“In addition to benefits from containerisation, CMA CGM’s expertise in fruits and fresh produce logistics offers improved solutions that add value to both producers and consumers.”
CMA CGM provides the following routes:
- JP8 Service – A newly enhanced route offering fast, direct connections from Davao to Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Moji, ensuring efficient delivery to Japan.
- BMX Service – A flagship route providing a premium, stable weekly connection from Davao to Busan, South Korea.
Environmental benefits
In addition to operational efficiency, containerised shipping brings environmental advantages.
CMA CGM has been investing in eco-friendly vessels, such as LNG-powered ships and biofuel-compatible engines.
By reducing handling, optimising space and cutting port time, containerised solutions generate lower emissions per unit of cargo.
SOURCE: SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE
