Chilean cherries take to the skies with Maersk air freight
Season’s highlight was the launch of five air charter flights, each with 500 tonnes of Chilean cherries
Photos Credit: Maersk
The 2023-2024 cherry season marked a significant milestone for Maersk with its first successful export of cherries by air freight.
"This move solidifies Maersk's commitment to meeting the dynamic demands of global trade and serving our customers through multiple modes of transportation," says an official release.
"Air freight services are a big part of our strategy to provide end-to-end integrated solutions that adapt to the needs of our clients," says Nathalia Sallas, Air Product Manager, West Coast of South America, Maersk. "We have established significant collaboration with key commercial airlines, which enables us to reach any destination and utilise various routes effectively."
Magdalena Toro, Foreign Trade Specialist, XSUR adds: "We chose Maersk's service for our first cherry shipment by air, and it was definitely the best option. We had traceability of our cargo throughout, and they were very efficient in managing the booking and documentation."
The season’s highlight was the launch of five air charter flights, each with 500 tonnes of Chilean cherries, the release added. "The inaugural flight on November 21, 2023 set the tone for swift transit times of 2-3 days, ensuring efficient and prompt deliveries until the final flight reached its destination by December's end."
Chile’s cherry season runs from late November to February, aligning perfectly with festivals around the globe, particularly the Chinese New Year celebrations in the first quarter of the year, the release added. Over 85 percent of the cherries grown in Chile are destined for China.
"Cherries symbolise good fortune in the Chinese tradition and witness a surge in demand during this festive period every year, captivating people in the region with their sweetness and vibrant hue.
"The transportation of these cherries across continents requires an intricate network of logistics with over 70 million cardboard boxes travelling the globe each year. Throughout this journey, Maersk Cold Chain Logistics ensures the safe passage of these delicate treasures from farm to table, preserving their freshness and flavour all the way."
Maersk's air freight solutions for Chilean cherries during the 2023-2024 season will help pave the way for future innovations, positioning Maersk as a leader in pushing the exports of perishable goods, the release added.
(Video Credit: Maersk)
