The association would create a symbiotic relationship, allowing Foodcareplus to grow its market share in the reefer fresh produce trade into India. At the same time, IG Logistics would have an opportunity to share its infrastructure with the European customer base of Foodcareplus. The project aims to make the supply chain for fresh produce more open and reliable.
The announced partnership responds to the market trend, as reported by Fresh Intelligence during the Asia Fruit Congress in Bangkok in early November. The most vigorous growth of imports into Asia, including India, was recorded, with Europe with 35% in the last 12 months. The increase was fueled by top fruit, apples, and pears, one of IG's main product categories. Foodcareplus is Europe's leading top fruit logistics service provider for international markets.
The integrated support model offered by Foodcareplus Logistics will allow IG Logistics to seamlessly integrate with their transport and shipping network, enabling them to smoothly connect with fresh produce growers in Europe with the click of a button. The troubled shipping market due to port congestion, increasing fuel costs, and labor shortages demand that importers are more flexible.
Foodcareplus Logistics will move fresh produce across borders through various port gateways to keep the fruit moving. Their blockchain usage would underpin this technologically adept alliance where a single platform, Dockflow, will be used for every shipment to bring visibility at all times to all stakeholders.
Articulating her thoughts on this strategic alliance with Foodcareplus, Shubha Rawal, Director for sourcing and marketing of IG International, said, “European fruit varieties have always made it to the top echelon of fruits in terms of quality, aesthetics, and taste. We are thrilled to partner with a reputed company like Foodcareplus and open our doors to European delights from the best orchards and plantations. This synergy will help us efficiently deliver a door-to-door solution for the Indian consumer.”
“This partnership would help us to increase our business in the dynamic market of India. With IG Logistics, our partnership would create an innovative platform for European exporters that would bring a more resilient supply chain. The platform will also enable the retailers and wholesalers dealing with fresh produce in India to source the right product at the right time and price through IG’s network.” Steve Alaerts from Foodcareplus Logistics was quoted saying.