Exporting agricultural products to the international market involves much more than growing quality food. Logistics and transportation are key to ensuring that fruits, vegetables and other perishables arrive at their destination in optimal condition. In an increasingly competitive trading environment, optimizing these processes not only reduces costs, but also enhances a grower's reputation and increases the likelihood of repeat business. This article explores key strategies for efficient exporting, supported by industry statistics and best practices.

1. The Importance of the Cold Chain

An efficient cold chain is critical to preserve the freshness and quality of produce during transport.

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), up to 45% of fruits and vegetables are lost in the supply chain in developing countries, mainly due to logistical failures and inadequate refrigeration.
• Implementing cold chain solutions can reduce these losses by 30% or more, according to the World Bank.

Recommended strategy: Invest in insulated packaging, real-time temperature sensors and automated refrigerated transport. These tools allow monitoring of product conditions from the farm to the port or final market.

Traceability and Digitization of Transportation

Traceability allows exporters to track the path and condition of the product, which is crucial to meet international food safety and quality standards.

• A report by GS1 and McKinsey highlights that 83% of European importers consider traceability an essential requirement for fruit and vegetables.
• The use of digital logistics systems can reduce documentation errors by 25% and shorten dispatch times by 15-20%, according to Deloitte.

Recommended strategy: Use transportation management platforms (TMS) and smart labels with QR codes or RFID to record shipment conditions in real time and facilitate customs inspections.

3. Selection of Routes and Modes of Transportation

Choosing the right route and the optimal means of transport directly influences costs, delivery times and quality of the final product.

• According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), maritime transport is the most widely used for exporting agricultural products, but represents a major risk for highly perishable products if not managed correctly.
• On the other hand, air transport, although more expensive, can reduce delivery times by more than 70%, ensuring better freshness in premium markets such as Europe or North America.

Recommended strategy: Use combined transport (multimodal), where land transport is complemented with sea or air transport, to balance costs and speed of delivery.

4. Logistics Coordination and Strategic Alliances

Efficient logistics planning involves coordinating multiple actors: carriers, customs, port operators, among others.

• Studies by the World Bank Logistics Performance Index show that countries with efficient logistics chains export up to 40% more in agricultural value than those with poorly integrated systems.
• In Latin America, companies that outsource their logistics to specialized 3PL operators have reported cost reductions of up to 18%, according to a study by Procomer Costa Rica.

Recommended strategy: Establish alliances with logistics operators specialized in agricultural products and sign contracts with performance clauses that ensure compliance with time and conditions.

5. Regulations, Certifications and Customs Logistics

Compliance with phytosanitary and quality regulations in the country of destination is essential to avoid rejections or delays.

• According to the European Commission, 92% of agricultural product rejections at the border are due to incomplete documentation, traceability problems or non-compliance with sanitary regulations.
• Having certifications such as GlobalG.A.P., HACCP or BRCGS can facilitate the logistics and customs process.

Recommended strategy: Work with customs brokers who are experts in perishable goods and ensure that all documentation is digitized and approved for the destination country.

Conclusion

Efficient logistics and transportation is a critical competitive advantage for any agricultural producer looking to internationalize. From maintaining the cold chain to complying with customs regulations, every link in the logistics chain can make the difference between a successful sale and a loss. Is your farming operation prepared to compete in the global marketplace with world-class logistics?

References

• FAO. "Global Food Losses and Food Waste." (2022)
• World Bank. "Post-Harvest Loss Reduction in Developing Countries." (2021)
• McKinsey & GS1. "Digital Traceability in Food Supply Chains." (2020)
• ITC. "Export Logistics for Agricultural Products." (2022)
• Deloitte. "Digital Transformation in Transport & Logistics." (2021)
• World Bank. "Logistics Performance Index 2023."
• Procomer Costa Rica. "Study on Logistics Outsourcing in Agroexports." (2020)
• European Commission. "Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed Annual Report." (2022)

‍