Top Fruit Exports and How to Avoid Cargo Claims: Cherries

In 2022, Latin American suppliers (excluding Mexico but including the Caribbean) made a significant impact on the global sweet cherry market, accounting for $2.15 billion in exports, nearly half of the worldwide total. With Asian exporters in second place at 33.3%, the sweet cherry industry is booming globally.

But how can you ensure that your sweet cherries arrive at their destination in top condition while avoiding cargo claims along the way? Let’s explore.

Harvesting and Handling

Unlike some fruits, cherries have a non-climacteric pattern of respiration. Their texture and flavor don’t change significantly after harvest. However, they are prone to postharvest decay, with potential diseases like blue mold rot, brown rot, grey mold rot, and rhizopus rot. To minimize the risk of decay, prompt cooling is essential. Properly chlorinated water (unless a fungicide or antagonist is used) in hydro-cooling can help.

Premium Quality

Premium sweet cherries have a shiny appearance, varying from dark red (‘Bing’) to red (‘Sweetheart’) or yellow with a red blush (‘Rainier’ and ‘Royal Ann’). The appearance of the stem should be green and free from brown discoloration. Flavor is enhanced by high soluble solids and titratable acid content, with a firm, juicy texture.

Cooling and Storage

Cherries are sensitive to handling and transport due to their soft, tender skin and fast ripening. For successful marine transport, rapid cooling to -0.5°C immediately after harvest is vital. Keeping the pulp temperature below 0°C during handling and transport is key. Cherries have a relatively short storage and shelf life, so quick handling is crucial to ensure they reach the retail market within 21 days of picking.

Damage and Cargo Claims Prevention

Preventing cargo claims when shipping sweet cherries involves meticulous attention to detail. Here are some essential tips:

1. Temperature Control: Maintain strict temperature control during shipping. Cherries should be as cold as possible without freezing, optimum temperature at -0,5°C/+0,5°C.
2. Avoid Extreme Conditions: Oxygen levels below 1% can lead to skin pitting and off-flavors, while carbon dioxide levels above 30% can cause skin browning and off-flavors. Keep these factors in check.
3. Maintain Humidity: High humidity helps prevent stems from drying out. Optimum humidity is 90-95%.
4. Inspect for Disorders: Regularly inspect cherries for common storage disorders mentioned, such as brown rot or freezing injury, and separate affected fruit.
5. Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential. Ensure that your containers have the right ventilation settings of 0-10 m³/hr to avoid issues caused by excessive moisture.

Sweet cherries are a valuable commodity in the global market, but their delicate nature requires careful handling and transport. An informed and diligent approach to shipping sweet cherries is your best ally in ensuring their freshness and preventing cargo claims. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only deliver a delightful treat to consumers but also safeguard your cargo’s journey from start to finish.

Recoupex is a hub of transport lawyers – experts in cargo claims. We assess your case quickly. We have successfully recovered claims from Maersk, Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company – MSC, CMA CGM, and other carriers.

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