On September 4, the 2024 Asia Fruit Logistica was opened in Hong Kong. YANTIAN attended the event and partnered with key players across the supply chain to explore optimal solutions for the maritime import and export of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The event featured over 750 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions. YANTIAN team engaged with both new and existing customers, exchanging essential market insights on fresh product trade in Asia and highlighting how YANTIAN ensures the secure and efficient transportation of these cargoes.

A few days ago, a delegation from the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association, led by Ivan Marambio, President of the association, along with Claudia Soler, Executive Director of the Chilean Cherry Committee, Andres Armstrong, Executive Director of the Chilean Blueberry Committee, Christian Carvajal, Director of Eurasian Markets, and Huang Siyan, China Market Operations Manager, visited YANTIAN. During the visit, representatives from the Yantian District Government, Dapeng Customs, and YANTIAN team engaged in in-depth discussions with the delegation to deepen cooperation and explore new opportunities.

Chile's products, including cherries and blueberries, are highly sought after by Chinese consumers. The opening event of the 8th "Chile Week" was held at YANTIAN, a pivotal logistics hub that links China with the global market. YANTIAN collaborates closely with leading shipping companies to operate over 100 weekly services to destinations worldwide, including two direct services to major Chilean ports, effectively addressing the diverse import and export needs of consumers in China.

Recently, nearly 10,000 tons of cherries were imported via YANTIAN. Thanks to the seamless coordination among all parties, the unloading of these cherry was completed by the afternoon of the same day. Containers with pre-declarations had all their processes finalised and were promptly delivered to the market. For customers requesting for the immediate pick-up service, containers were available for collection within 10 minutes of unloading.

Over the past 7 years, Chile's cherry production has grown at an average annual rate of 29%. By March of the 2023-2024 season, Chile set a new record by exporting 377,000 tons of cherries to mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, representing a 3.3% year-on-year increase.

Preferred port for cold chain in South China

As a pivotal link in the global supply chain, YANTIAN works closely with shipping companies to operate over 100 weekly services. Our premier services, combined with green and efficient multimodal logistics solutions, are crucial in driving the advancement of high-quality development of international trade.

Our rail-sea cold chain transportation services present a new alternative for importing fresh products. Compared to traditional road transportation, rail cold chain transport offers significant advantages, including extensive coverage, high capacity, reduced costs, enhanced safety and stability, and greater environmental sustainability.

Currently, we boast nearly 5,000 reefer plugs within the port area, catering to the storage needs of both imported and exported reefer containers. There are 2 temperature-controlled inspection facilities, 1 Customs-designated supervisory site to ensure fast inspection and release for reefer cargoes, and 6 off-dock reefer warehouses with a total capacity of about 200,000 tons to provide one-stop and end-to-end fresh and frozen food services to the Greater Bay Area and even the whole country.

Strong support from the Customs

YANTIAN partners closely with the Customs to ensure the smooth and efficient import of cold chain products. Through a series of facilitation measures taken by Dapeng Customs, time-sensitive cargoes such as fresh fruits, plant bulbs, and hazardous materials can go through a streamlined, one-stop customs process. This allows for the rapid completion of inspections, sampling, and container pick-up on the same day as unloading. We have also established a dedicated team to optimise operational processes and enhance both terminal and clearance efficiency, addressing the specific needs of customers.

In the years ahead, YANTIAN is poised to be a bridge connecting the industry and government, delivering unparalleled services while closely aligning with various initiatives from Dapeng Customs to enhance quality and efficiency. Through targeted allocation of efforts and resources, we will broaden our array of import services, propel the evolution and refinement of inspection facilities, expand the capacity of cold storage, collaborate with the Customs to streamline clearance processes, and maintain our integral role in port operations. We aspire to transform Yantian Port into an inclusive cold chain logistics service hub in South China, distinguished by robust clearance efficiency, exemplary safety performance, and a diverse spectrum of functionalities. Such a transformation will consistently address the diverse demands of the Chinese market for fresh products, actively contributing to the flourishing development of China's import trade.

Information source: Asia Fruit Logistica and China Fruit Marketing Association