PortMiami announced Tuesday that it had taken delivery of its first direct shipment of Peruvian blueberries, under a cold treatment pilot programme authorised by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The programme began last October and has opened a new trade route between Peru and Miami by allowing the direct import of cold-treated grapes and blueberries directly to Miami.
The port’s director, Bill Johnson, said: “PortMiami is very pleased at the arrival of this inaugural shipment from Peru. This is great news for shippers and consumers alike, as using PortMiami extends shelf-life and gets fruit rapidly to consumers.”
PortMiami is looking to expand its role as a gateway for fresh produce imports to the US. It’s close proximity to Central and South America and direct link to the south eastern US provides efficient delivery of goods to markets along the eastern seaboard and into America’s heartland.
As a part of the pilot scheme, produce from Peru that arrived at PortMiami has already been dispatched to markets such as Atlanta, Maryland and Chicago.
“It's a great opportunity for the produce industry in general,” said Pat Compres and Maria Bermudez of Advance Customs Brokers & Consulting. “With this come other avenues for shipping and the opening of possible new markets. We worked hard with our partners in Peru to bring the product to Miami and are thrilled to be part of this new and exciting programme.”
