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Produce Shippers Demand Performance Metrics to Combat Rising Logistics Costs

Fresh produce operators face a profitability crisis. The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce reported that 85% of shippers experienced higher costs across fuel, shipping, fertiliser and packaging in its latest survey. Nearly two-thirds of respondents saw expenses climb 10% or more, while one in seven faced increases exceeding 50%. Most shippers cannot fully recover these costs from customers, leaving almost two-thirds concerned about medium-term viability. The GCFP introduced a charter of best practices at the Fruit Attraction event in Madrid this month, emphasizing collaboration, transparent terms, efficiency and cargo integrity. However, industry participants say the initiative lacks specific performance measurement tools. Executives argue that detailed metrics tracking carrier performance are essential to achieving meaningful supply chain improvements and cost control.