News

Fresh Produce from NL to IE

The Dutch berry season is now underway, with high volumes of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries beginning to move across Europe and into Ireland. As temperatures rise and shelves turn seasonal, soft fruit imports from the Netherlands are becoming a critical part of the fresh produce supply chain for Irish retailers and foodservice providers.

At HANNON Transport, we are supporting this demand by providing high-frequency, temperature-controlled transport from the Netherlands to Ireland—ensuring delicate berries arrive fast, fresh, and in perfect condition.

Soft Fruit Logistics: Why Dutch Berries Need Specialist Handling

Dutch growers are renowned for producing some of Europe’s highest-quality soft berries, thanks to advanced greenhouse cultivation and tightly managed harvesting.

However, these fruits are highly perishable and must be handled with precision to retain their flavour, texture, and appearance during transit.

Temperature Sensitivity
Soft berries must remain at +0°C to +4°C to avoid early ripening, dehydration, or mould. Even small fluctuations can reduce shelf life dramatically.

Humidity Control
Maintaining 90–95% humidity prevents moisture loss and helps preserve berry weight and visual appeal.

Short Shelf Life
Strawberries and raspberries begin to deteriorate within 48–72 hours if not handled and cooled correctly. Rapid cross-border delivery is essential.

Fragile Loads
Soft berries are vulnerable to bruising and crushing. Secure loading and specialist packaging are required throughout the journey.

HANNON’s Service Model for Soft Berry Imports

With decades of experience in fresh produce logistics, HANNON Transport offers a service built specifically for time-sensitive, temperature-critical loads like Dutch berries.

Chilled Transport with Dual-Temperature Capability

• Our fleet of refrigerated trailers maintains strict cold chain integrity
• Dual-temperature trailers enable mixed berry loads or combined fresh and frozen consignments
• Real-time temperature monitoring and Track & Trace throughout

Direct Routes from Netherlands to Ireland

• High-frequency departures from key Dutch growing regions to Ireland
• Consolidation options for groupage customers at our NL facility
• Day 1 departure, Day 3 arrival models available for scheduled drops

Just-in-Time Delivery for Retailers & Distributors

• Tailored solutions for supermarkets, wholesalers, and foodservice suppliers
• Flexible windows for early morning or timed arrivals
• Planner-led trailer configuration for optimal ventilation and load security

End-to-End Compliance and Customs Support

• In-house customs team ensures seamless clearance at EU–ROI and EU–NI borders
• Fast, frictionless cross-border movement via the UK landbridge

Why Dutch Berries Matter in the Irish Market

As Ireland’s domestic berry production is limited in scale and seasonal range, Dutch-grown soft fruit fills a critical supply gap—particularly from late May through to July.

• Ireland imports thousands of tonnes of soft berries annually, with peaks during early summer
• Dutch strawberries and raspberries are highly sought-after by Irish multiples, convenience chains, and wholesale distributors
• Early-season supply supports key retail promotions and seasonal product launches across fresh and chilled categories

Supporting Peak Berry Season with Reliable Transport

Now is a key moment for produce buyers and importers to secure reliable, cold chain-proven logistics capacity. At HANNON, we already support some of Ireland’s largest soft fruit importers—ensuring berry consignments move quickly from Dutch growers to Irish shelves.

Whether you’re importing full trailer loads or consolidating groupage shipments from multiple suppliers, our team will help you:

• Reduce lead times
• Maximise shelf life
• Maintain temperature and humidity control
• Eliminate customs and/or delivery delays

Talk to Us Today

Looking for a reliable transport partner for Dutch berries this season?
Talk to us today about how HANNON Transport can support your soft fruit logistics from the Netherlands to Ireland.

📧 sales@hannontransport.com
📞 +44 28 9265 1441

What HANNON Transport Delivers

HANNON Transport provides temperature-controlled groupage logistics between Ireland and Europe.

We operate high-frequency groupage (LTL) and full load (FTL) services between Netherlands and Ireland [NL–IE], Belgium and Ireland [BE–IE], and across other key European lanes.

Our services are trusted by food and fresh produce importers, wholesalers, and distributors who require fast, reliable access to and from Europe—with full customs compliance, flexible collection options, and secure temperature control from first pallet to final delivery.

Transport & Handling Summary

Routes: NL–IE, BE–IE

HS Codes: 08101000 – Strawberries; 08102010 – Raspberries; 08104000 – Blueberries

Handling Conditions: +0°C to +4°C, 90–95% RH, cushioned packaging

Service Capabilities:
• Groupage (LTL), Full Load (FTL)
• Dual-Temperature Trailers
• Just-in-Time Delivery
• Temperature-Controlled Logistics
• Cross-Docking
• Real-Time Track & Trace
• Own Fleet & Drivers
• Customs Clearance [EU–NI] [EU–ROI]