A decision to outsource the handling of perishables at John F. Kennedy Airport to a private company has raised concerns among Dutch vegetable exporters to North America. "JFK is currently the largest airport with the most capacity, but due to this policy change, it will become four times more expensive and completely uncompetitive," says Remco Beekman of Soho Produce.
Photo: KLM
"Normally, handling costs for a full cart of 30 pallets are about 50 US cents per box. Under the new system, these costs will triple to $1.50, resulting in an additional $3,250 per shipment beyond the usual rates. For smaller shipments to wholesale markets, the price increases are even more extreme, and flower exporters, who typically ship far fewer boxes per skid, will be hit even harder," he explains.
"For Dutch exporters as a collective, this is a tough challenge. The largest perishables airport will suddenly no longer be competitive. While it is possible to divert shipments to other airports, if you need to use JFK due to capacity constraints, your pricing becomes far less favorable. A strong lobbying effort to advocate for Dutch interests is urgently needed," Beekman concludes.
For more information:
Remco Beekman
Soho Produce
Mob: +31 651928687
[email protected]
www.sohoproduce.com