Halloween Pumpkins & Fresh Produce: The October Surge

October is one of the busiest months for fresh produce logistics, driven by increased demand for Halloween pumpkins, autumn vegetables, and seasonal fruit. Retailers, wholesalers, and supermarkets must ensure they have enough stock to meet consumer expectations, making efficient transport and supply chain management crucial during this seasonal surge.

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in temperature-controlled logistics, ensuring that pumpkins, apples, and root vegetables reach their destinations fresh, intact, and on time. With demand for Halloween and autumn produce expected to rise in 2024, having a reliable transport network is more important than ever.

October 2024: Market Trends and Demand Forecast

Halloween is a major retail event, particularly in Ireland and the UK, where pumpkin sales continue to grow year on year. Alongside pumpkins, demand for apples, pears, squash, carrots, and potatoes peaks in October, as consumers embrace seasonal cooking and festivities.

Key Market Trends for 2024

• Pumpkin sales across Ireland and the UK are projected to exceed 20 million units, a 5% increase from 2023.
• Apple and pear demand is expected to rise by 7%, reflecting a growing preference for seasonal, locally sourced fruit.
• Exports of Irish-grown root vegetables to the EU are set to increase, as colder weather boosts demand for hearty autumn produce.

Given the perishable nature of these products, effective cold chain logistics is essential to maintain freshness, reduce spoilage, and ensure deliveries arrive on schedule.

The Role of Logistics in Managing the October Surge

Fresh produce is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, handling, and transit times. Pumpkins require careful transport to prevent bruising, while apples, pears, and root vegetables must be stored at the right humidity and temperature to maintain quality.

Temperature-Controlled Transport for Freshness

Maintaining the correct temperature is vital for ensuring pumpkins, apples, and vegetables reach their destination in prime condition.

HANNON Transport’s Cold Chain Solutions:

• Refrigerated trailers keep produce at the ideal temperature to extend shelf life.
• Optimal ventilation and humidity control prevent moisture build-up and premature spoilage.
• 24/7 real-time monitoring ensures temperature consistency throughout transit.

High-Capacity Distribution for Peak Demand

Retailers rely on fast and efficient deliveries during October’s peak sales period. A well-managed logistics network ensures produce moves swiftly from growers to supermarkets, avoiding stock shortages or excess waste.

How We Keep Supply Chains Moving:

• Daily departures to key markets across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.
• Flexible load options to accommodate both bulk shipments and smaller, seasonal orders.
• Last-mile distribution services to ensure produce reaches supermarkets and wholesalers on time.

Reducing Waste & Maximising Shelf Life

With increased demand comes the challenge of preventing overstock and waste. Poor handling, long transit times, and improper storage can lead to spoiled produce and financial losses.

HANNON Transport’s Waste Reduction Strategies:

• Optimised routing to shorten delivery times and minimise handling.
• Secure and well-ventilated packaging to protect pumpkins and fresh produce in transit.
• Real-time tracking and monitoring to ensure deliveries remain in optimal condition.

Sustainable Transport for Seasonal Peaks

As sustainability becomes a priority across the food supply chain, businesses are looking for eco-friendly logistics solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. At HANNON Transport, we are committed to sustainable transport, ensuring fresh produce is delivered efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.

Key Sustainability Initiatives:

• Euro 6-compliant trucks to reduce emissions.
• Direct ferry routes to Europe to cut road miles and fuel consumption.
• Efficient scheduling and load consolidation to reduce empty truck returns.

Meeting October’s Seasonal Demands with Reliable Logistics

From Irish pumpkin farms to European wholesalers, the October surge in fresh produce demand requires expert logistics planning, temperature-controlled transport, and efficient distribution networks.

At HANNON Transport, we provide specialist fresh produce transport services, ensuring that pumpkins, apples, and root vegetables reach retailers in peak condition, with minimal waste and maximum efficiency.

For businesses preparing for the Halloween rush, a trusted logistics partner is essential to keeping supply chains running smoothly. With HANNON Transport, your fresh produce stays fresh—every step of the way.