How Air Cargo Efficiently Transports Perishable Goods
With growing trends in retail showing that demand for fresh food is increasing, it's up to logistics companies to work out how to help suppliers meet this demand.
Air cargo is supporting this global movement by transporting fresh products around the world in a matter of hours, keeping products at ultimate freshness.
Change in consumer demand
The 'State of Grocery Retail Europe 2025' report by McKinsey examines the changing market for grocery retailers.
"Consumer preferences are changing. A new generation of shoppers is evolving. And despite low overall volume growth, there are pockets of potential growth in European grocery," the report states.
"Categories that are expected to grow the most include fresh foods, healthy foods and functional foods, such as power bars, protein-rich options and sports drinks."
The report states that Gen Z in particular are making healthier decisions when it comes to food purchasing, with a growing demand for fresh food.
"The net intent of European consumers to buy more high-quality, fresh products has increased by two percentage points since 2024," the report continues.
With this demand comes an increased need for suitable transportation of perishable goods. Retailers need to consider every step of their cold chain, from harvesting time to long-haul transportation and storage at the facility.
IAG Cargo is just one of the companies helping support the global movement of fresh food, reporting a 21% rise in the volume of perishable goods transported in the first half of 2025, in comparison to last year.
Rodrigo Casal, Regional Commercial Americas at IAG Cargo, says: “At IAG Cargo we understand the urgency and care fresh produce demands and work closely with our customer to meet their timeline needs.
“But these partnerships go beyond logistics. By keeping fresh goods moving, we’re also connecting producers with new markets, strengthening local economies, sustaining livelihoods and creating opportunities across the supply chain.”
Logistics adaption
IAG Cargo has seen a particular growth in the Peru export market. In March, there was a 105% export surge of asparagus in compared to March 2024, with Spain being one of the main destinations.
Peruvian asparagus exports reached 4,175 tonnes, or US$12.74m, with the product being imported into 24 countries.
40% of all asparagus shipments were managed by DP World, 34% by APM Terminals, 14% by Jorge Chávez International Airport and 12% by Euroandinos Port Terminals – Paita.
To meet growing demand of perishable trade, companies like IAG Cargo are making investments into their infrastructure.
In 2024, IAG Cargo invested €1.5m (US$1.8m) into its Madrid hub as part of an expansion plan. This investment into its perishables facility meant a greater capacity for the transportation of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish between Latin America and Europe.
Carlos Aparcana, General Manager of Peak Quality, a leading exporter of asparagus in Peru, adds: “With IAG Cargo we have a partner we trust. The Lima-Madrid route is essential for our supply chain, connecting us directly with our key markets in Europe.
"During our high season from September to December, we handle up to 30 tonnes of asparagus a day. Working with IAG Cargo gives us the reliability we need to meet global demand and tight deadlines.”
Logistics companies around the world are making changes to help meet consumer demand and reduce waste of perishables.
RealCold, a logistics and supply chain storage company in the US, is currently expanding by opening other cold storage facilities across the country, with the help of supply chain management company Blue Yonder.
Fresh Del Monte is partnering with CMA CGM Group to introduce containerised shipping services for their products as a way to keep fruit in temperature controlled settings so it reaches the consumer in good condition.
With more companies making the switch to more efficient cold chains, suppliers will be able to meet demand and reduce waste of perishables.
