A perishables handling centre opens this April at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

Freshport is a joint venture between Menzies World Cargo (MWC) and the Icelandic transportation and logistics organisation Eimskip.

The move reinforces Menzies's position as the Netherland's largest independent cargo handler, one of Europe's most important freight gateways.

Eimskip considers the provision of air cargo services an essential part of its transportation capability and places emphasis on perishable cargo.

Richard Hepburn, business development director at MWC said: 'Schiphol is now Menzies second largest cargo hub in Europe following the acquisition of Fr8 a year ago.

'This joint venture with Eimskip will enable Menzies to improve its range of services and will help us to further increase our market share at the airport.' Freshport's 3,200 square metre handling centre will provide a range of services for perishable cargo, and incorporate an EU border inspection point.

The centre will handle up to 800,000 kg of perishables in dedicated cool, frozen or air-conditioned storage units.