Before apples from European orchards reach the markets of South America, they travel thousands of kilometres. The organisation of this journey begins well before the ship sets sail and involves the proper preparation of the fruit, its transport to the port, the ocean voyage, import clearance and the delivery of the consignment to the consignee. And each of these stages requires cooperation between producers, exporters, transport companies, port operators, shipowners, importers and the relevant regulatory authorities.
Preparing apples for transport
Apples intended for export are harvested at the appropriate stage of ripeness, taking into account the planned duration of storage and transport. They are then sorted and subjected to quality control. During sorting, factors such as their size, colour, firmness and the condition of their skin are assessed. The apples selected for a given batch must meet the quality requirements set for the specific order and target market.
The fruit is packed in packaging that protects it from mechanical damage and allows for adequate air circulation. Batches are also labelled in accordance with the applicable requirements, which makes it possible to identify, amongst other things, the product, its origin and the entity responsible for packaging or dispatch.
Controlled transport conditions
In long-distance transport, apples are most often transported in refrigerated containers. The temperature and other parameters are selected according to the variety, the condition of the fruit, how it has been stored previously, and the expected journey time. The aim is to maintain conditions that are as stable as possible and to ensure the continuity of the cold chain. Limiting temperature fluctuations helps to slow down the natural ripening processes and reduce the risk of the fruit’s quality deteriorating.
Controlled-atmosphere containers may be used for some shipments. They allow you to regulate not only the temperature, but also the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as the air exchange rate. Carefully selected parameters slow down the fruit’s respiration and help it retain its firmness for longer. However, the use of this technology depends on the apple variety, the journey time, the recommendations of specialists, and the conditions agreed with the carrier and the consignee.
From the cold store to the port and onto the ship
Once the consignment has been prepared, the container is transported to the port – usually by road or intermodal transport*. In the case of refrigerated transport, it is important to minimise power cuts to the equipment and to monitor conditions during transhipment and whilst waiting for the ship. Once loaded onto the ship, the container is connected to the ship’s power supply. Its operational parameters are checked in accordance with the shipowner’s procedures.
The route is planned taking into account the sailing timetable, the availability of places on the ship, any transhipments, check-in times and the options for onward transport upon arrival at the port of destination. Effective coordination helps to reduce dwell times and minimise the risk of disruption to transport operations.
Phytosanitary and import requirements
Exports of fresh apples from the European Union to South America are carried out in accordance with the importing country’s requirements. Brazil and Colombia have their own regulations governing the import of fresh fruit. These primarily include phytosanitary requirements, which are designed to protect local crops from pests and diseases. Therefore, apples intended for export must meet certain conditions before they leave Europe.
In practice, this means, amongst other things, carrying out appropriate checks on batches, preparing the required documentation, and verifying the origin and traceability of the fruit. Depending on the specific market, additional information may also be required on the phytosanitary certificate, specific labelling of packaging, or additional import procedures.
Inspection in the country of destination
Upon arrival at the port, the consignment is subject to customs and phytosanitary procedures. The relevant authorities may check the documentation and labelling, carry out a physical inspection of the fruit or take samples – depending on the procedures in force and the risk assessment.
Only once the necessary formalities have been completed and the consignment has been cleared for import can the apples be delivered to the recipient. They are then sent to warehouses, distribution centres, wholesalers or retail chains. In the subsequent stages, it also remains important to maintain conditions suitable for fresh fruit.
Fresh produce logistics
The long journey of the apples is not just a matter of transporting goods. It is a meticulously designed process that combines the expertise of fruit growers, modern storage technologies, refrigerated transport, parameter monitoring and collaboration between exporters, freight forwarders, shipowners and inspection authorities.
This means that European apples can cross the ocean and reach consumers in Brazil and Colombia in excellent condition – firm, crunchy and full of flavour. It’s a true logistics operation dedicated to freshness, planned down to the very last detail.
*Intermodal transport refers to the carriage of the same cargo using at least two different modes of transport, e.g. by lorry, train and ship. The goods remain in the same loading unit – usually a container. When changing modes of transport, the entire container is reloaded without removing the products it contains – in this case, apples.
