A severe lack of cold chain services in China has long been an impediment to expansion for US fresh produce exporters, but a new strategic partnership between the US Port of Oakland and Chinese port operator China Merchants Holdings International could go some way to addressing the shortfall.

According to US publication the Maritime Executive, the Port of Oakland signed an agreement with China Merchants Holdings International Company (CMHI) at the latter’s Hong Kong headquarters earlier this month with a focus on developing and marketing supply chain solutions across China for US exports, particularly agricultural commodities.

In an initiative that could significantly extend the reach of US fresh produce in China, the Port of Oakland signed an agreement with China Merchants Holdings International Company (CMHI) are expected to work on improving warehouse and logistics facilities and creating unbroken cold chain services for US companies exporting their perishable products to the country.

From Fruitnet