MSC to Transport Spanish Kaki to China for the First Time

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MSC to Transport Spanish Kaki to China for the First Time

12/14/2023

Sitecore Spain

 

  • The Valencian community produces 85% of Spanish kaki persimmons.
  • Kaki transport requires constant and considerable investment in R&D to guarantee quality and success in the protocol.
The Natural Hand, a fruit and vegetable company based in Albal, has chosen MSC to bring Spanish kaki persimmons to China for the first time. The opening of the Chinese market to kakis is an important milestone for the sector. Negotiations between the two countries on this export line date back to 2016, with the Cold Treatment protocol receiving approval in 2023.

This export opportunity will particularly benefit the Valencian Community, which produces 85% of Spain's kakis, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The fruit will leave the port of Algeciras in MSC reefer containers under the Cold Treatment protocol, which not only ensure that the kakis arrive in excellent condition, but also guarantee compliance with the protocol for exporting this fruit. Once at the  port of Shanghai, the cargo is inspected again to confirm that the process has been followed. "It is a great responsibility. And at the same time a source of honor that MSC has been chosen to carry out this  prestigious project", says Julio Néstar, Reefer Manager of MSC Spain.

Booming demand for fresh fruit

Global demand for fresh fruit is growing exponentially. Sales of fresh fruit alone will reach $674.5 billion in 2023, and the sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.79% over the next five years1. Of particular interest to exporting countries is the growth in foreign fruit consumption in China, where imports of cherries, oranges, grapes and apples, among others, have soared.

MSC: Cutting-edge technology for fruit and vegetables

When the product makes it necessary, MSC reefer containers can additionally be supported by Controlled Atmosphere (CA) systems for extended shelf-life, ventilation settings to reduce the build-up of ethylene and carbon dioxide, which can accelerate the ripening process and cause discolouration, and dehumidification to prevent mould, mildew and dehydration. These systems include StarCool® CA, Liventus®, Maxtend® and Purfresh®. "MSC's world-leading fleet of reefer containers ensures that our local producers can benefit from the most advanced temperature control technology for their shipments," adds Julio Néstar, Reefer Manager, MSC Spain.

Adapting to the market: new routes

MSC faces the daily challenge of responding to a constantly evolving market. "As the market grows, so do our global trade services, offering customers in Spain the flexibility and connectivity to markets worldwide that they need, confirming our commitment to keep on offering a local and personalized service", says Julio Néstar, Reefer Manager of MSC Spain. 


1 Data from Global Market Insights' study "Global Fresh Fruit Market 2023-2028: Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast.