Fresh from Chile: How Cutting-Edge Technology Ensures Grape Quality and Freshness

Chile stands as a vital economic powerhouse in the refrigerated exports sector, boasting some of the most mature markets in South America. This market is defined by sensitive commodities, particularly fresh fruits, and frozen seafood, which demand highly specialized temperature management.

Being a major supplier of seafood specialties to markets in Asia and the US East Coast, Chile’s salmon season usually kicks off in September, marking the beginning of a steady flow of approximately 30,000 annual TEUs.

This impressive volume travels from Chile to various markets and is precisely tailored to meet the unique preferences of each destination. Whether it’s Asia’s request for the fish to be cut a certain way, or the meticulous standards of US importers, Chilean exporters are masters at delivering exactly what’s needed.

Unlocking Chile’s Fruit Export Potential

With over 50 different types of fruits available, Chile is one of South America’s primary hubs for fruit production and exports. The heart of this export commodity lies in the Valparaíso Region in San Antonio, with a diverse range of fruits destined for markets across the US East Coast, Europe, and the Far East.

Offering reliable and efficient shipping services to and from Chile, ZIM’s dedicated routes cater to the demands of these markets, directly connecting Chile’s exporters to consumers worldwide:

• The ZIM Albatross (ZAT) service to Asia offers a best-in-market 25-day transit time with direct access to key ports such as Pusan, proving especially critical during the peak grape season.
• Another standout feature of Chile’s export coverage with ZIM is the exclusive and dedicated call in Lirquen. This port serves as a gateway for fresh fruit exports to markets in Asia, India, and directly into the US East Coast, supported by the connections provided by our ZIM Colibri Express (ZCX) service.

Preserving Perfection

Perishable commodities like grapes demand meticulous handling, precise cargo movement, and a controlled environment to preserve their freshness during transit. When shipping these fruits from Chile to the United States, not only must they meet USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) inspection procedures demands, but also need to satisfy the high standards of customers and consumers’ palates.

So, how can their quality be secured during long distances while meeting local regulations?

Introducing a Berry Cool Solution: Fumigation

Integrating cutting-edge technology, we ensure the fruit is delivered in optimal condition, saving valuable time, while also minimizing costs.

But what exactly is fumigation, and why is it important?

Fumigation is a process which regulates temperatures inside refrigerated containers. This step is especially important upon the cargo's arrival in the US, where it’s required by USDA regulations for pest control. Before fumigation can occur, the cargo must maintain a temperature of above 40°F, which is why the change of temperature occurs inside the ZIMonitor container prior to its arrival.

How it works:

1. At Origin: Grapes undergo a streamlined cold chain process, from the vineyards to nearby facilities where they are pre-cooled, packed and loaded into our state-of-the-art refrigerated containers equipped with ZIMonitor technology. This technology enables remote temperature adjustment tailored to individual customer requirements.
   
   Operating the youngest reefer fleet in the industry, ZIM activates the ZIMonitor system for nearly every shipment, with our dedicated 24/7 global services teams personally monitoring your cargo and managing all ZIMonitor alerts!
2. During Transit: Grapes travel in a pre-set temperature-controlled environment, with gradual temperature adjustments made throughout the journey. The timing of this temperature adjustment is carefully managed with the destuffing of the cargo in order to protect the quality of the grapes.
   
   In addition to maintaining a temperature-controlled environment, our containers feature real-time tracking of temperature, humidity, and location - all this and more tools are available via myZIM Personal Area.
3. At Destination Port: ZIM’s regional reefer teams expedite the fumigation and regulatory processes upon arrival, ensuring timely and seamless delivery of grapes, until they are ready for pickup.

Delivering ‘Grape’ Expectations, Every Time

Through a collaborative and fully integrated approach, ZIM ensures a robust infrastructure for sensitive exports, enhancing their shelf-life and meeting health standards from origin to destination.

We’re continually seeking ways to expand and adapt our service coverage and exceed customer expectations. Alexander Ruzsitska, ZIM Chile Sales Manager adds: “From services like our cherry-dedicated express service, to introducing specialized calls like Lirquen or direct calls into Philadelphia with the Colibri service, we’re always on the lookout for ways to add value to our customers’ business.”