"There is a lack of availability of refrigerated containers on an international level as they are blocked in China. Italian apple exports have not suffered any problems yet, but operators are alarmed and constantly monitoring the situation," reports Linda Carobbi (in the photo below), Corporate director Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Vertical Market for Savino Del Bene S.p.A., a logistic and shipping company founded in Florence in 1899. From a small family business, over the years it has become the leading Italian logistic and shipping company as well as one of the most important on a global level.
"When it comes to exports, we can make a distinction between kiwifruit and apples. When the Coronavirus was officially announced by the Chinese authorities at the end of January, the kiwifruit campaign was almost over. Containers were already on their way to China."
"For those containers that were supposed to arrive after the virus was announced, we have had to change ports, as the Shanghai and Xingang facilities were experiencing problems and delays. We worked together with our clients, carriers and Chinese offices so there were no excessive consequences for our clientele."
As apples cannot be shipped to China, they have not be affected so far. "I say so far because one of the main difficulties caused by this situation is the unloading of refrigerated containers in some Chinese ports and therefore the return of said containers. Part of reefer containers available on a global level are 'blocked' in China, so there are fewer export containers around."
Linda Carobbi, Franco Capponi and Antonia Gimenez a Fruit Logistica
To this, we must add the cancelling by the main carriers of some ships for the Far East-Europe trade, making the return of empty reefers even more difficult. What is more, in order to deal with this situation and the high costs it entails, carriers have already applied Peak Season Surcharges of between USD 1,000 and USD 1,250 per reefer container.
"Spain is experiencing some problems for its citrus fruit headed to China as the campaign is in full swing and some carriers are even rejecting perishable loads destined not only to China, but to any destination in Asia for fear of not being able to comply with their commitment."
In other cases, Spanish producers have suspended shipments as there is no way to know how the situation will evolve. Of course Spain might suffer from the lack of refrigerated containers as well.
"We are constantly keeping in touch with our clientele and with our suppliers (carriers). Should this situation continue, the lack of containers available could have repercussions on outbound produce traffic. So far, we are rather calm as, with the volumes we handle on a global level, we are among the top customers for sea and air carriers."
"We do not know and cannot know for how long this situation will continue, but we are constantly monitoring it also thanks to our offices in China and throughout Asia."
Savino Del Bene headquarters in Scandicci (Florence)
In 2019, Savino Del Bene celebrated its 120th anniversary and transported 75,500 tons by air and 621,000 TEUs by sea thanks to its 4,400 employees and a network of over 200 offices all over the world. The company turnover is of over €1.5 billion.
Contacts:
Savino Del Bene S.p.A
Via del Botteghino 24/26
50018 Scandicci (FI)
Tel.: +39 (0)55 5219616
Email: linda.carobbi@savinodelbene.com
Website: www.savinodelbene.com