Freshfel calls for optimisation of international logistics networks

For the fresh produce sector however, there is still a need for the optimisation of transport networks. On 18 January, Freshfel Europe organised a webinar on the topic of logistics in Europe and beyond. With guest speakers from the World Shipping Council, Freshrail, and Easyfresh logistics, Freshfel Europe and its members highlighted the need for affordable and reliable well-connected multimodal transport networks, while emphasising sustainable solutions to continue the journey towards decarbonisation.

Every year, close to 50 million tons of fresh fruit and vegetables are distributed locally within the Member State of the European Union where it was grown, while 29 million tons are traded intra-EU. Furthermore, the EU exports around 7 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables annually, and imports almost double that volume. Logistics must be timely and well-connected to ensure that all these products arrive fresh and in good quality.

To guarantee a wide distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables, transport networks and reefer/container availability must be well-functioning on all levels: locally, nationally, regionally, and globally. The meeting highlighted that it is important that public and private sectors support and invest in multimodal transport networks, and sustainable and affordable logistics solutions, for fresh produce to reach their destinations in a timely manner with optimal quality. 

Between 2020 and 2022, the demand for global logistics had its operational normality disrupted. First by lockdowns and increased controls, then by a booming demand during post-COVID-19, which created a 7.5% increase in port and hinterland congestion, and a 25% backlog on orders of new vessels. Inflation, lack of truck drivers and other logistics talents, along with rising fuel prices have caused cost increases for fresh fruit and vegetables logistics. 

Freshfel Europe General Delegate Philippe Binard said: “Higher logistics costs due to the scarcity of containers and trucks, and higher fuel costs impact the affordability of logistics, leading to missed trade opportunities. Covering these added costs is challenging for the sector which is working with small margins and exposed to the high financial pressures of last year. This will still be noticeable for some time to come. For 2023 however, global logistics seem to be turning a corner with fewer logistical bottlenecks, leading to a better outlook for the sector to seize opportunities in the market”.

Not only is the backlog of vessels and container orders slowly being resolved, but a drop in demand has also made more of the existing logistics equipment available, which in turn has decreased congestion and increased global schedule reliability. Despite this, Freshfel Europe notes that although the situation is improving it is not recovered, and the reliability of timeliness for fresh produce transport is still significantly lower than before the pandemic. 

Binard said: “As fresh fruits and vegetables are perishable goods, disruptions and delays negatively affect product quality and shelf life and increase food loss and food waste. It is essential to secure networks and infrastructure for fresh produce logistics and to better monitor global market volatility. To secure better planning, and to soften pressure in case of crisis, the use of green corridors should be pursued to allow the prioritisation of fresh produce flows”. 

The sector will also have to mitigate the impact of proliferating strike actions around the world that could impact the fluidity of perishable product flow.

The sector calls for the optimisation of EU and international route networks, making use of multimodal solutions and securing more direct journeys to some long-distance destinations, namely for export to Asia or Latin America. Now, transporting fresh produce from Europe to Asia through transit hubs can take up to 40 days, a journey that through a direct line could be made much shorter. This could prevent putting product quality at risk and increase trade opportunities while decreasing emissions. The fresh produce sector aims to make use of the range of available transport alternatives, including modal shift towards inland rail that could contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.