British Airways World Cargo has launched its new global perishables product, Constant Fresh, as part of a £1 million investment in its perishables handling service at Heathrow.
The new product, which is available right across the BAWC route network, offers customers a clearly defined proposition to ensure the freshness of perishable products including fruit, vegetables and flowers as they move down the chain from supplier to retailer.
“Procedures relating to acceptance and handling of perishable goods at all points have been reviewed and strengthened to ensure total integrity of the supply chain,” said the company.
The investment at Heathrow will see new hoists installed to increase capacity and drive greater efficiencies through the handling process. The work will be completed by July and follows a £130,000 outlay in a new production line that is capable of processing up to eight million punnets of soft fruit a year.
Gerry Mundy, BAWC’s perishables manager, said the development of the centre demonstrates the company’s commitment to the fresh produce and flower sectors: “We have established a strong customer proposition in recent years, working with all key partners in the supply chain.
“[Constant Fresh] will enable us to build on these solid foundations. We offer the most comprehensive, specialised service to customers at Heathrow, which has been developed through listening to our customers and their needs. By working closely with our partners, we play a crucial role in the management and supply chain so that we can deliver the product and the further value added service enhancements.”
In 2004, BAWC handled more than 115,000 tonnes of perishable goods, of which 80,000t passed through its 69,000sqft Heathrow Perishable Handling Centre, run by Christian Salvesen. It is predicted that the airfreight market for perishable goods will grow by 7.8 per cent a year over the next five years, and BAWC is extending its capacity at Heathrow to 140,000t a year.
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