Why Groupage Transport is Essential for Fresh Produce Exports

The fresh produce industry relies on speed, efficiency, and careful handling to ensure that fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods reach international markets in perfect condition. For many growers and exporters, groupage transport—where multiple shipments from different suppliers share the same refrigerated vehicle—offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for moving fresh produce across Europe.

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in temperature-controlled groupage transport, providing Irish and European exporters with reliable and efficient logistics solutions to ensure their fresh produce reaches supermarkets, wholesalers, and food service providers in optimal condition.

What Is Groupage Transport?

Groupage transport, also known as LTL (Less than Truckload) shipping, allows multiple exporters to share space within a single refrigerated vehicle. Rather than waiting to fill an entire truck, businesses can ship smaller consignments more frequently, reducing storage times and keeping produce fresher.

How It Works:

1. Multiple suppliers consolidate their shipments into a single refrigerated truck.
2. Temperature-controlled transport ensures freshness from collection to delivery.
3. Strategic distribution hubs allow for seamless transfer and delivery across multiple European markets.

For the fresh produce industry, groupage transport is an essential part of supply chain efficiency, allowing exporters to reduce costs, increase flexibility, and ensure consistent supply to retailers and food service providers.

Why Groupage Transport Is Essential for Fresh Produce Exports

Cost-Effective for Smaller Shipments

Many fresh produce exporters do not always have full truckloads of goods ready for shipment at any given time. Groupage transport allows them to share space and costs with other exporters, making it an economical solution.

Key Benefits:

• Lower transport costs by only paying for the space used.
• More frequent shipments reduce the need for large storage facilities.
• Greater market access by enabling smaller producers to export efficiently.

Faster, More Frequent Deliveries

Fresh produce has a short shelf life, and delays in transport can lead to spoilage, waste, and financial losses. With groupage transport, exporters can ship smaller loads more often, ensuring a steady supply of fresh goods to markets across Europe.

Key Benefits:

• Shorter storage times mean fresher products for consumers.
• More frequent shipments ensure consistent supply to retailers.
• Reduced waste due to better stock rotation and quicker delivery times.

Temperature-Controlled Reliability

Maintaining the cold chain is critical for fresh produce exports. Even slight fluctuations in temperature can cause spoilage, affecting quality, taste, and appearance. Groupage transport with advanced refrigerated systems ensures that produce arrives in optimal condition.

Key Benefits:

• Strict temperature control (typically between 1°C and 5°C for fresh produce).
• Humidity management to prevent dehydration or excess moisture build-up.
• Real-time monitoring to track conditions throughout transit.

Expanding Market Access for Exporters

Groupage transport makes it easier for small and medium-sized growers to access international markets without the high costs of full-load transport. This is especially important for seasonal exports, where smaller quantities of fresh produce need to be shipped efficiently.

Key Figures for 2024

• Ireland exported €300 million worth of fresh produce to the UK and Europe in 2023, with this figure expected to grow by 5% in 2024.
• Over 75% of fresh produce exports rely on temperature-controlled groupage transport.
• The demand for Irish-grown mushrooms, soft fruits, and leafy greens in France and Belgium is projected to increase by 8% in 2024.

By using groupage services, exporters can expand their reach while maintaining affordable and efficient transport solutions.

Supporting Sustainability in Fresh Produce Transport

Sustainability is a growing concern in the fresh produce industry, and groupage transport helps reduce carbon emissions by maximising truck capacity. Instead of multiple half-empty trucks making separate journeys, groupage consolidates shipments, reducing the overall environmental impact.

Key Benefits:

• Fewer empty miles and reduced CO₂ emissions.
• More efficient use of transport resources.
• Supports sustainability goals for exporters and retailers.

HANNON Transport: Your Partner for Fresh Produce Groupage

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in temperature-controlled groupage transport, helping Irish and European fresh produce exporters move their goods quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.

Why Choose Us?

• Daily Departures – Regular services across the UK & Europe.
• Advanced Cold Chain Logistics – Temperature-controlled transport for perishable goods.
• Flexible Load Sizes – Full-load and groupage options available.
• Sustainable Transport Solutions – Reducing emissions through efficient logistics.
• Real-Time Tracking – Live monitoring to ensure optimal conditions.

A Smarter Way to Export Fresh Produce

For fresh produce exporters, groupage transport is an essential logistics solution—offering cost savings, greater flexibility, reliable temperature control, and sustainability benefits. By choosing a trusted transport provider like HANNON Transport, exporters can ensure their fresh produce reaches markets quickly, efficiently, and in peak condition.