Garces Fruit has become the first fruit exporting company in Chile to receive the accreditation of a recognized shipper from the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), a certification previously exclusive to the salmon industry within the country. This accreditation, part of the National Air Cargo Security Program (NASP), ensures the safety of the cherry supply chain from the processing plant to the air terminal, facilitating faster and safer air travel for the exported cherries.
Ricardo Machuca, from the DGAC, highlighted that the certification confirms the security measures from the plant to the airport meet international aviation security standards, ensuring the fruit is free of any elements that could compromise flight safety. Garces Fruit aligned its processes with aeronautical safety requirements, including training over 200 workers, identifying critical loads, and installing a metal detector specifically for fruit, to obtain this approval.
The certification, valid for two years with ongoing DGAC monitoring, is recognized by the United States and the European community. It signifies a shift towards more efficient and cost-effective air transport of cherries, reducing the need for extensive cargo inspections at the airport. Previously, all cherry cargoes underwent X-ray and explosive trace inspections, but with the DGAC certification, only a small percentage of Garces Fruit's shipments will require these inspections.
Fernanda Soto, Sustainability Manager at Garces Fruit, explained that the certification process, initiated by the commercial area, took just under a year to complete. It involved purchasing a special metal detector from Italy, among other measures, to meet the accreditation's requirements. The benefits of this certification include time savings, reduced costs, and less energy consumption due to faster unloading and reduced storage times.
Looking forward, Garces Fruit aims to continuously improve its security measures and expand the certification to include other fruits beyond cherries, as part of its mission to transform the fruit industry. Francisco Eyzaguirre, from Garces Fruit, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and safety in fruit exportation.
Source: Blueberries Consulting