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Fresh Strawberries Ready to be Transported

The Logistics of Summer’s Favourite Produce

Berries and soft fruits are some of the most popular produces during the summer months, enjoyed by consumers across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. From juicy strawberries and raspberries to sweet blueberries and blackberries, these delicate fruits are in high demand for supermarkets, restaurants, and food service providers.

However, transporting soft fruit is a logistical challenge. Their short shelf life, delicate texture, and sensitivity to temperature mean they require specialist handling and temperature-controlled transport to maintain freshness, flavour, and quality.

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in temperature-controlled logistics, ensuring that berries and soft fruit arrive in peak condition from European growers to retailers across Ireland and the UK.

Why Berries & Soft Fruits Require Specialist Transport

Unlike more robust produce, berries and soft fruits are highly perishable, requiring careful handling throughout the supply chain. The key logistical challenges include:

Temperature Sensitivity

• Berries must be kept at precise temperatures between 0°C and 2°C to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Even small fluctuations in temperature can affect texture, taste, and shelf life.

Short Shelf Life

• Berries and soft fruit have a much shorter shelf life than many other fresh produce items.
• Efficient just-in-time deliveries are essential to ensure they reach supermarkets as fresh as possible.

Delicate Handling

• Soft fruits are easily bruised or damaged during transport.
• Careful loading, unloading, and handling procedures are required to maintain quality and minimise waste.

High Consumer Demand in Summer

• Warmer months see a significant rise in demand for berries, especially for seasonal promotions, summer desserts, and fresh snacking options.
• Retailers need reliable logistics partners to meet peak-season requirements.

Where Do Summer Berries & Soft Fruits Come From?

During the summer months, much of the soft fruit consumed in Ireland and the UK is sourced from local growers, but to maintain consistent supply and variety, imports from Europe and beyond play a vital role.

• Spain & Portugal – Early-season strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
• Netherlands & Belgium – High-quality soft fruit grown in controlled greenhouse environments.
• France & Italy – Premium raspberries, blackberries, and mixed soft fruit varieties.
• UK & Ireland – Locally grown berries from May to September, reducing food miles and ensuring fresh, homegrown options.

Despite this diverse supply chain, one thing remains constant: the need for temperature-controlled transport to maintain product integrity throughout the journey.

How HANNON Ensures Freshness & Quality in Berry Logistics

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in the transportation of perishable goods, providing tailored logistics solutions to ensure that berries and soft fruits arrive fresh, undamaged, and ready for sale.

Temperature-Controlled Transport

• Our state-of-the-art refrigerated trailers maintain consistent temperatures between 0°C and 2°C, preventing premature ripening and spoilage.
• Real-time temperature monitoring ensures that berries remain within safe temperature limits throughout transit.

Express & Just-in-Time Deliveries

• Berries must move quickly from farm to retailer to maintain freshness.
• Our direct transport routes across Europe minimise handling and transit times.
• Just-in-time deliveries help retailers reduce waste and meet consumer demand efficiently.

Specialist Handling & Packaging

• We work with growers and suppliers to ensure optimal packaging for soft fruit, reducing damage during transit.
• Our team follows strict handling procedures to prevent bruising and deterioration.

Efficient Cross-Border Logistics

• We manage customs clearance and regulatory requirements, ensuring a smooth flow of goods from Europe to Ireland and the UK.
• Our European-Irish transport network provides fast and reliable connections, reducing delays.

With our expertise in fresh produce logistics, HANNON Transport is the trusted partner for growers, distributors, and retailers across Europe.

Keeping Summer’s Favourite Produce Moving

Berries and soft fruits are a seasonal favourite, but delivering them in peak condition requires specialist logistics expertise. At HANNON Transport, we provide:

✔ Temperature-controlled transport tailored for soft fruit
✔ Fast and efficient deliveries from key growing regions
✔ Expert handling to minimise waste and damage
✔ Reliable cross-border logistics from Europe to Ireland and the UK

Whether you are a grower, distributor, retailer, or food service provider, we ensure that your berries arrive fresh and ready for consumers to enjoy.