Novafrut kiwifruit APL Logistics

Shipping giant APL has pledged its commitment to offering Japanese supplier an optimal and cost-effective transportation avenue for their fresh produce.

“Fresh produce grown in Japan is synonymous with fine quality, exquisite taste and excellent presentation,” says Fujita Yasuhiro, head of APL’s commercial division. “As more Japanese growers take their agricultural products beyond the domestic market, APL looks to work with them in bringing the ‘finest harvest of Japan’ to the world.”

Japan’s fresh food export markets are mainly concentrated in Asia, with APL currently offering services to South China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and South East Asian nations including Thailand and Vietnam.

Yasuhiro says APL applies its controlled atmosphere technology, SMARTcare+, to ensure the quality of fruit and vegetable shipments from Japan.

“Through our atmospheric regulating technology, SMARTcare+, APL offers the solution for quality preservation and presentation of fresh produce,” he explains.

In March this year, APL shipped Japanese premium strawberries, as well as Japanese leafy vegetables, from Hakata to Hong Kong. The shipment was made by Fukuoka-based Fuyo Trading, an exporter of fresh vegetables, fruits and food supplies to Asian countries.

“The export drive for Japanese agricultural products is set to escalate the globalisation of Japanese food culture,” said Keiji Tanaka, president of Fuyo Trading.

“With the application of APL’s controlled atmosphere reefer technology, the transportation of our freshest produce to different parts of the world is now possible with sea freight instead of expensive air freight. This innovative solution will help us expand our global footprint significantly as we take our premium products to the stores across Asia as well as the Americas and Europe.'