SIMIC

Simply by exploiting Hong Kong's location will support fruit businesses that are tapping into the growing mainland market. Some US$3 billion arrives at Hong Kong terminals annually, 60 per cent of which is bound for the mainland.

"Hong Kong is the port of choice for fruit shipments. Through the deployment 7,800 reefer points, twice the capacity of other terminals in South China, its high levels of efficiency enables the freshest delivery to market," said the HKSPA statement.

Today, consignees can collect shipments immediately after discharge and be on their way within 15 minutes, HKSPA said.

"Simple, convenient and fast customs procedures means Shenzhen is an hour away, while one of the world's largest fruit outlets, Guangzhou's Jiangnan Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market, is just four hours by road.

"For large or less time-sensitive shipments, shippers may choose the Hong Kong-Nanhai Reefer Express 17-hour barge service to get their fruit consignments to market," said the HKSPA statement.

With fruit imports into the mainland forecast to grow 55 per cent by 2025, HKSPA is catering to mainland consumers' growing taste for Thai durian by offering 30 weekly calls connecting Thailand and Hong Kong. As a result, durian shipments from this Southeast Asian nation grew 35 per cent year on year during the first eight months of 2020.

More than 80 per cent of Chilean cherries imported by mainland China arrive via Hong Kong - and volumes are rising.

HKSPA said it achieved eight per cent growth during the 2019/20 cherry season. Shippers providing for this increasing demand for Chilean cherries, are offered access to the highest frequency of shipping services from the South American cities of Valparaiso and San Antonio - with the fastest transit time of 22 days.

HKSPA will continue to collaborate with fruit traders and shipping line partners to seize mutually beneficial opportunities along the cold chain through Hong Kong.