The Argentinean region of Salta has reportedly carried out its first air cargo shipment of fresh blueberries to the US market on the back of a united effort by the public and private sectors, according to local publication El Tribuno.
Suppliers in Salta exported 35,000-40,000lbs of fruit on a LAN Cargo flight headed directly from Salta to Miami, allowing fruit to reach supermarket shelves in 24 hours.
The ambitious project had the backing of the regional government, which worked closely with customs agents, phytosanitary experts at Senasa, LAN Cargo, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and local blueberry supplier Extraberries.
Julio César Loutaif, the Economic Development Minister of Salta, said it was “the first time in provincial history” that an air cargo flight had been made from the region, adding that he hoped the move will help to open up Salta as a commercial air route.
To expedite the process, Argentinean customs and phytosanitary agents worked together to bring a special scanner to Salta to check the fruit before export.
A temporary cooling area was also established at the airport (to maintain the cool chain), as well as a discharge tunnel to prevent the fruit coming into contact with insects.
