Zespri’s first exports of Italian grown SunGold kiwifruit to China are on the shelves in time for Chinese New Year. An Italian reefer charter vessel completed its maiden voyage, with more than 4000 pallets – 3300 tonnes or 942,000 trays – of Italian-grown SunGold Kiwifruit on board. The Baltic Performer left the Port of Vado Ligure at the end of November from one of the largest fruit logistics hubs in the Mediterranean – arriving in the Port of Shanghai just before Christmas.
Zespri executive officer of northern hemisphere supply Nick Kirton says the successful voyage was a significant milestone for the European kiwifruit industry. He says the benefits of shorter transit times and better temperature management across a single ship rather than multiple containers improved fruit quality and avoided congestion and delays within the shipping container market.
