North Carolina Ports expands its role as a global supply chain gateway by welcoming its first shipment of banana imports from Central America. These initial refrigerated shipments from Guatemala signals the start of a yearlong program commitment of weekly banana imports via the Port of Wilmington.  

 

"Today’s shipments mean fresh fruits will reach consumers faster and cheaper," said Hans Bean, VP, Trade Development, NC Ports. "This represents major progress in our ability to service North Carolina’s significant grocery sector, several of which are having their headquarters and perishable distribution centers in N.C."    

 

Upon arrival at the Port of Wilmington, the bananas will be trucked to distribution centers across the Carolinas. With expanding port coverage across the many ocean carriers now calling Wilmington, suppliers can tailor orders to deliver more often, closer to their customers and closer to actual market demand.  

 

"Bananas are the latest addition to North Carolina Ports’ expanding portfolio in the perishables industry," said Brian Clark, NC Ports Chief Operating Officer. "Joint efforts with our customers, our cold chain partners and government agencies including CBP and USDA have helped facilitate these new produce flows via the preferred NC gateway of Wilmington. This will deliver benefits for produce customers, carriers and consumers with optimized routings and efficiencies through the Port of Wilmington."   

 

In December, the port became the first South Atlantic port to implement both phases of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Southeast In-Transit Cold Treatment Pilot program. The program allows for more direct imports of produce including blueberries, grapes, apples, pears and citrus.