Shipping flowers by ocean has become an increasingly popular mode of transport in Colombia. However, the ICA phytosanitary inspection at departure points - all far away from the farms - can pose significant challenges, particularly if pests are detected, which can compromise the freshness of the products. To address this issue, inspection at the point of origin was proposed. After several years of testing and positive outcomes, the ICA has approved two locations for these inspections, applicable to flowers. Vacuum Cooling, with facilities in Funza (Bogotá) and Rionegro (Medellín), has been selected to conduct these inspections.
On the left: Facade Funza plant. On the right: Facade Rionegro plant.
Inspection at departure, the challenges
According to Mauricio Gleiser of Vacuum Cooling Colombia, the decision to implement inspections at the point of origin marks a significant advancement for the industry and its logistics. "Currently, flowers and avocados must be inspected at the point of departure. However, this is inconvenient since cold chains are affected, free moisture is condensed over flowers (hosting botrytis spores to develop) and it becomes even more problematic for maritime shipments when pests are detected. Imagine a loaded reefer needing to return from Buenaventura or Cartagena to Bogotá or Medellín for fumigation, a journey that takes 12 to 16 hours. Growers have no option but to fumigate; otherwise, they risk losing their freight and incurring additional costs. Furthermore, trucking expenses in Colombia are very high, comparable to maritime costs. Compounding the issue, the cold chain is disrupted as the reefer has to be opened multiple times, leading to increased costs, shipping times and, ultimately, a decline in the quality of the flowers."
Render inspection room
Inspection at origin, the trials
"Inspecting flowers at the point of origin would offer numerous advantages," Gleiser continues. "However, to validate these benefits, the ICA wanted to conduct trials first. Two companies that ship significant volumes of flowers by ocean - chrysanthemum grower Capiro and freight forwarder DSV - were selected to begin inspecting their flowers at origin. After about two years of testing, the results were analyzed and proved very positive. This approach optimizes transfer times, streamlines logistics processes, and reduces costs at seaports, leading to a direct and positive impact on product quality."
Upper image: product flow-inspection. Bottom picture: product flow-inspection plus vacuum cooling process.
Implementation, Vacuum Cooling facility appointed
Pleased with the results, ICA decided to expand the project into a more extensive initiative that allows many more companies to benefit from "Inspection at Origin." Successful implementation hinges on strategic location; facilities must not only be close to flower-producing areas but also provide ample space for trucks to access them. Vacuum Cooling meets those requirements with two facilities in Rionegro and Funza, both based in the key flower production regions. Each facility, where they vacuum cool and consolidate various flower types, spans 750 square meters and is equipped with a ramp, offering significant capacity for the inspection service and container loading "We will only host the inspections and provide the equipment as the ICA will conduct them. Further, we ensure neutrality and independence from any farm, freight forwarder or carrier. This allows growers the flexibility to choose where they want to have their inspections performed "
Ready soon
In a couple of weeks, the Vacuum Cooling locations will be ready to host the inspections. "We are currently completing the inspection areas. We would need to isolate some areas with thrips mesh and install "double gates" to prevent cross-contamination. We're also considering incorporating fumigation alongside vacuum cooling, as there are synergies between those two technologies that can enhance overall effectiveness when applied correctly."
For more information
Vacuum Cooling Colombia SAS
Mauricio Gleiser, CEO
Email: [email protected]
www.vacuumcoolingcolombia.com