APL Provides Reefer Solutions for Japanese Exports
Nitrogen gas is introduced at the start to control oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the SMARTcare+ reefer containers with precision (Photo: APL)
Japanese strawberries arriving in Hong Kong after being shipped from Hakata using APL’s SMARTcare+ reefer solution (Photo: APL)
As Japan ramps-up its export drive, APL said it has stepped in to support Japanese growers and exporters in the exploration of overseas markets for their fresh produce through its range of SMART reefer solutions and diversified global network.
“As more Japanese growers take their agricultural products beyond the domestic market, APL looks to work with them in bringing the ‘finest harvest of Japan’ to the world,” said Fujita Yasuhiro, Head of Commercial, APL Japan. “Through our atmospheric regulating technology, SMARTcare+, APL offers the solution for quality preservation and presentation of fresh produce cargo over time and distance.”
Currently, Japan’s fresh food export markets are mainly concentrated in Asia. Connecting Japan with the key markets of Asia, APL offers the services of Japan Thailand Vietnam (JTV); Japan Thailand 2 (JT2), Japan Thailand 3 (JT3) and Setonai Kai Kyushu Express (SKX). These services cover markets such as South China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asian markets including Thailand and Vietnam among others.
While its network services enable market access regionally, APL’s controlled atmosphere technology, SMARTcare+ ensures the quality of fruit and vegetable shipments it ships from Japan, the shipper said. By manipulating ripening rates through nitrogen flushing at the start of the process, APL claims its SMARTcare+ can triple the post-harvest life of some perishables compared to conventional methods.
APL customizes the application of its reefer solutions based on the requirements of shippers, import protocols and the characteristics of the fresh produce cargo that it is shipping. Through trials and active collaboration with shippers, APL identifies the optimal solution to be deployed.
In March this year, APL applied SMARTcare+ and shipped Japanese premium strawberries, as well as Japanese leafy vegetables from Hakata to Hong Kong. The shipment was made by Fukuoka-based, Fuyo Trading, an exporter of fresh vegetables, fruits and food supplies to Asian countries.
APL is one of the most active ocean carriers in Japan to conduct trials with producers of premium fresh fruits and vegetables. “The global fresh fruit market is growing. We see opportunities in testing our technology on different fruits and vegetables, as well as conducting trials with Japanese growers and exporters who are looking to expand their international reach,” Fujita said.
Building on its containerized reefer capabilities, APL has steadily increased its 40-foot reefer containers over the past three years. APL has also strengthened technical support in Japan to lend expertise in facilitating the exploration of export markets by Japanese agricultural producers.
