Page 20 - LUA November - December 2023 for Magzter

INDUSTRY REPORT

various levels depending on the role and and efficient features they need from their
responsibilities. The training materials are air cargo partner of choice.
regularly reviewed to ensure best practice "Additionally, all Etihad Cargo’s
and that the content is up to date for food cool rooms are equipped with alarmed
storage and distribution – (Last revision temperature-monitoring systems and are
within past 12 months). The QETF has also calibrated on a regular basis. Every critical
completed training on food safety culture control point throughout the perishables’
which is on the agenda to be rolled out to all journey is checked and recorded to
stations soon,” says Verkooy. ensure the integrity of the product with
Kuehne+Nagel has been able to We are heavily temperature checks taken at key locations,
get 31 stations FreshChain attested offering our clients full transparency and
with an additional seven in progress. involved in protein traceability of shipments."
Verkooy adds: "As we started to deploy substitutes such as
certifications, we prioritised to certify the plant-based products, GROWTH AREAS
main stations where we move the most The seafood commodity has been the
volume first, and after that rolling out and see continued fastest growing commodity in the last
other parts of the network to keep the development from three years for Kuehne+Nagel, according
service standardised across all the active multiple countries to Verkooy. "Since we acquired Salmosped
perishable stations. At this moment, our in Norway, we saw our footprint grow
attested stations hold 85 percent of our in this area. in this vertical commodity and we now
total volume, affirming the rationale to DENNIS VERKOOY have a solid presence and service offering.
introduce internal standards." KUEHNE+NAGEL We are also heavily involved in protein
Etihad Cargo follows stringent food substitutes such as plant-based products.
safety management protocols with the levels in the organisation and we will We see continued development from
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point continue to be active and visible around multiple countries in this area and we need
(HACCP) methodology. Panza says: "Every this topic,” says Verkooy. to support those manufacturers in this
member of Etihad Cargo’s team receives Cathay Cargo provides Ultra Track relatively new sector."
extensive training as highly-trained staff service as a value-added option to Cathay Fruit and vegetables make up 40
are essential to maintaining the quality Fresh shipments, which offers enhanced percent of Etihad's total perishables
of perishables throughout their journey, data visibility for both customers and volume. Meat and fish come in second,
and follows strict protocols to control the Cathay staff throughout the shipment making up close to one-third of the total
temperature of perishables shipments. journey using Bluetooth technology, adds volume, says Panza. "Top destinations for
"Being IATA CEIV Fresh-certified Iyer. "With near real-time data, not only fresh products include India, Kenya and
demonstrates Etihad Cargo’s compliance can customers keep track of shipping the Netherlands."
with the IATA Perishable Cargo environment conditions and locations, Etihad Cargo is exploring the utilisation
Regulations (PCR), ensuring food safety, Cathay Cargo operation teams can also of artificial intelligence to improve
reducing waste, reinforcing trust and stay ahead of shipment statuses and forecasting and automation to enhance
enabling us, in partnership with our provide 24/7 response to any customer current capacity and capabilities to support
customers, to implement best practices queries via live chat." the sector’s growth. "We will continue
across all required cold chain solutions." To meet growing demand, Etihad to enhance our temperature-controlled
Cargo launched a new cool chain facility infrastructure including facilities, storage
TECH INNOVATIONS, that will double its cool chain storage and transportation solutions. We will also
DEDICATED SOLUTIONS capacity in the Abu Dhabi hub. "Our new invest in advanced technologies such as
Kuehne+Nagel works closely with several cool chain centre will also provide smooth real-time monitoring systems and data
organisations including shippers and transfers to Etihad Cargo’s FreshForward analytics to ensure even greater visibility
manufacturers of temperature sensitive truck fleet when products need to be and control over the transportation
products. "In addition, Kuehne+Nagel has delivered in the UAE or be handed over process, using developments in the
developed a platform called myKN which to the consignee at Abu Dhabi Airport, pharma supply chain as an enabler in the
has the capability to show users, as an making the end-to-end journey of transportation of perishables."
example, their CO2 footprint. We are also perishables easier and safer," adds Panza. Fresh shipments have always been an
working with a significant producer to "Our expanded fresh facility is IATA CEIV important part of Cathay Cargo solutions,
reduce food wastage from post-harvest to Fresh-certified, which gives our customers adds Iyer. "With the recovery of passenger
end consumer. This has involved growers, confidence that Etihad Cargo’s commercial flights, we have been able to regain and
transporters, airlines and retail units. activities and operations adhere to the establish new Fresh business from all
Kuehne+Nagel understands the relevance highest industry standards and they can around the world. The perishables sector
and our responsibility in sustainability, trust that Etihad Cargo’s FreshForward is expected to stay strong with increasing
not only in perishables but through all product provides the fresh, fast, simple demand worldwide."

18 LUA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023