International alliance of fresh produce trade associations unveils voluntary charter to encourage more resilient supply chains
The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce, an alliance that brings together trade associations in Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania, has published the first draft of a charter which it says will foster collaboration, transparency, and fairness in ocean transportation of fresh produce around the world.
Amid what it described as an ”urgent need” for increased transparency and predictability in maritime logistics, the group has invited all industry stakeholders to meet and discuss its Charter of Good Shipping Practices for Efficient and Fair Fresh Produce Logistics.
Six years on from the Covid-19 pandemic, which it says “rocked” global supply chains, the fresh produce industry continues to face what the coalition refers to as systemic volatility: shifting trade flows, geopolitical shocks, and unpredictable regulatory environments.
Since early 2025, its response has been to arrange round-table discussions, during which it identified a need for common language, clear and stable pricing, fair contract terms, and transparent service conditions in supply chains that depend on ocean freight providers.
Shared principles
Coalition chair Greg Palmer, who is also vice-president of trade and market development at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, says those things are vital if the business wants to create sustainable and resilient supply chains that can withstand such volatility.
“The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce is taking the discussion to the next step,” he explains. “We are inviting all stakeholders involved in fresh produce supply chains to join us in the formulation of a charter of good shipping practices – a fundamental, structural set of shared principles and guidelines to underpin, guide, and support behaviour and processes throughout maritime logistics chains.”
The first draft, which is available to view here, is said to be built on central principles of collaboration, transparency, and fairness.
And although adherence to the charter will be entirely voluntary, Palmer says it has the potential to transform global fresh produce supply chains.
“By offering a common language, the framework will begin to break down silos and align actions with the shared goal of efficient and resilient global logistics chains, with less waste and fair rewards for everyone,” he explains.
The draft charter will be discussed at an open industry forum to be held at 14:00-15:30 on Thursday 3 September at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong. Interested parties can register here.
The coalition’s current members are the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador, Ausveg, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, the Committee Linking Entrepreneurship–Agriculture–Development, Freshfel Europe, Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada, International Fresh Produce Association, Southern Hemisphere Fruit Alliance, and United Fresh New Zealand.
