Supply Chain Research

Commercial deliveries of fruit from central and south America to the port of Norfolk, Va. are set to begin after the completion of a USDA trial project. Perishables are one of the fastest growing segments in U.S.-inbound shipping with total imports by sea having expanded by 7.9% year over year in 2018. Shipments from central and south America grew by 10.0% and are led by bananas, pineapples, avocados and melons. Leading shipping lines serving the U.S. east coast that may switch services to Norfolk include Transfrut Express – Dole Food’s main partner – with a 22.4% market share in 2018 an...