FloraHolland offers growers international logistics services as well. This allows growers simpler and often cheaper access to the European market.
Services may vary depending on the country, availability and type of local service providers.
Local transport/collection
Wherever local refrigerated transport from farm to airport is not available, FloraHolland can offer this. In Ethiopia, this service has already proven successful thanks to the cooperation of a local partner.
The airport in Addis Ababa provides cooling facilities to FloraHolland. This keeps the supply cool chain (refrigeration network) as tightly knit as possible, which in turn ensures optimal product quality and higher market value.
Consolidating shipments
FloraHolland combines shipments from various growers with the same destination into one air cargo shipment. This saves both transportation and administrative costs, and eliminates the need for unnecessary repackaging. This also helps cut costs. Plus, the supply cool chain remains as tightly knit as possible, temperature fluctuations are minimized, and damage is avoided. The end result is a better-quality and fresher product with greater market value.
FloraHolland offers this service in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and soon in Colombia.
Once the products arrive at the local FloraHolland collection center, they are checked according a set procedure and prepared for transport. The data flow for this process is extremely important to assure smooth planning and execution.
Coordination of logistical process
FloraHolland employees take daily inventory of anticipated shipments from various growers. Close cooperation with the freight forwarder guarantees an optimal cool chain, and quick, efficient transportation to the final destination.
Information management of the logistical flow
Introducing barcodes on every box makes tracing & tracking possible, allowing one to pinpoint a package at any time. Clever computer systems facilitate information exchange among partners in the chain, improving reliability in delivery to clients.
Quality control
Prior to departure, the temperature of every shipment is measured and the quality of the flowers is closely inspected. This ensures that only market-worthy products are being sent. This helps prevent transportation costs being incurred for unmarketable lots. Our man on the ground also handles supervision of the logistical process and making sure the shipment arrives at its final destination. These duties are part of our special services.
Contracting air cargo and sea freight transportation
To achieve even more economies of scale for its growers, FloraHolland contracts for air cargo and sea freight transportation.
These economies of scale can be accomplished through consolidation (grouping together products with the same destination) and/or combining shipments from various growers (groups).
By purchasing freight space collectively, FloraHolland can offer the grower lower freight fees, air cargo priority, and better service, through a controlled cool chain and tracing & tracking systems.
In addition, freight space is purchased for destinations such as Japan, making this market accessible for growers.
Logistical junctions
At important logistical junctions for the floriculture trade, FloraHolland is looking to build its position. In so doing it hopes to provide services for its growers and buyers, including facilitating direct logistics for markets within Europe and abroad.