DHL opens new Australian perishable facility

DHL Global Forwarding, the freight specialist arm of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has opened its newest facility in Brisbane to meet the surging demand for Australian perishable goods export, with an investment of A$17m over ten years.

The Australian state of Queensland’s total agricultural and food exports hit A$10.72bn in 2022, a steep 25 per cent increase from the previous year. To cater to this growing demand, the newly launched 4,880m² facility houses the largest international cold chain services in Brisbane at 1,700m², offering complete cold chain services for goods such as high-quality meat, fresh produce and seafood. 

The facility is located at Brisbane airport gives DHL airside access, the freight forwarder to have such access, and is close to the Port of Brisbane. 

George Lawson, managing director, DHL Global Forwarding Australia said the facility would meet the demand from perishable industries such as fresh produce.

”The agricultural and fisheries sector is a key foundation of Queensland’s economy, and it has remained robust despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Queensland’s total agricultural and food export has seen a 16 per cent increase from the average of the past five years and is set to continue rising in the foreseeable future,” said Lawson.

“Expanding our facilities will help cater to this rising demand and help our customers transport these time and temperature-sensitive perishable goods quickly and efficiently. The new facility will also support general cargo growth in Queensland.”

Lachlan Elliott, station manager – Queensland, DHL Global Forwarding Australia added: “Queensland’s agricultural produce is renowned for being high quality, safe and nutritious, which makes it very popular among global consumers.

”In fact, Queensland exports more than half of its agricultural output. The right supply chain solutions are critical to ensuring that these perishables can reach consumers in pristine condition. Our new facility in Brisbane will do exactly that, especially in our environmentally sustainable offerings, to help customers achieve a greener supply chain.”