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Berries on the Move: Fresh Soft Fruit Delivered Fast

Berries and soft fruits are the taste of summer, enjoyed by consumers across Ireland in everything from desserts to smoothies. From sweet strawberries and raspberries to juicy blueberries and blackberries, demand surges in the warmer months — but getting these delicate fruits from growers to supermarket shelves requires true logistics expertise.

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in temperature-controlled logistics for soft fruits, ensuring that berries arrive fresh, vibrant, and ready for sale. With our Day 1 collection from France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, and Day 3 delivery into Ireland, we keep the berry supply chain moving smoothly — even during the busiest seasons.

Why Soft Fruits Need Specialist Transport

Transporting berries is no simple task. Their delicate nature and short shelf life mean they must be handled with precision every step of the way. Key challenges include:

• Temperature Sensitivity
  – Berries must be kept at a stable 0°C to 2°C to preserve freshness.
  – Even minor temperature variations can impact texture, flavour, and longevity.
• Short Shelf Life
  – Berries degrade quickly, demanding rapid transit and just-in-time deliveries to extend shelf life.
• Fragile Handling Requirements
  – Soft fruits bruise easily. Careful loading, handling, and transport are crucial to maintaining their market quality.
• Summer Peak Demand
  – Retailers, food services, and markets see booming demand during summer months, increasing pressure on supply chains to deliver swiftly and reliably.

Key Origins for Summer Berries

While Ireland produces excellent homegrown berries during the summer months, sourcing from European growers is essential to maintain supply and variety.

Key regions include:

• France – Premium strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Netherlands & Belgium – High-quality soft fruits grown in advanced greenhouse environments.
• Spain – Early-season strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, helping to kickstart the berry supply ahead of the Irish harvest.

No matter the source, maintaining strict temperature control from collection to delivery is critical to preserving quality.

How HANNON Transport Keeps Soft Fruits Fresh

At HANNON Transport, we deliver berries and soft fruits with unmatched precision and care:

1. Temperature-Controlled Transport
   • Our modern refrigerated trailers maintain a consistent 0°C–2°C temperature.
   • Real-time monitoring ensures that conditions remain optimal throughout the journey.
2. Fast, Direct Transport Routes
   • Day 1 collection from growers in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
   • Day 3 delivery into Ireland — minimising handling and maximising freshness.
3. Specialist Handling Protocols
   • Expert loading and unloading to preserve the delicate nature of berries.
   • Tailored packaging and secure transport solutions reduce the risk of bruising and spoilage.
4. Seamless Cross-Border Logistics
   • HANNON manages all customs and regulatory processes, ensuring a smooth flow of goods from Europe into Ireland.

Keeping the Taste of Summer Alive

Fresh berries are a seasonal favourite — but delivering them perfectly fresh demands specialist logistics expertise.

At HANNON Transport, we offer:
✔ Temperature-controlled transport designed for berries and soft fruits
✔ Reliable Day 1 collection and Day 3 delivery from France and Benelux
✔ Expert care and handling to maintain quality
✔ Seamless cross-border transport into Ireland

Whether you’re a grower, distributor, or retailer, trust HANNON Transport to bring the finest berries to your customers — fresh, sweet, and summer-ready.