Vado Reefer Terminal lifts standards of reliability in fruit handling

The demanding standards that Vado Reefer Terminal sets for itself are bearing fruit. The terminal in Vado, Italy, has passed a Supplier Accountability Audit with flying colours.

The inspection was conducted by Zespri, the world’s largest supplier of kiwifruit, which it markets in over 50 countries. It presented the terminal with the opportunity to again demonstrate its commitment to quality and excellence.

Among the rigorous examinations of logistics procedures were assessments of the warehouse structural conditions, services offered and the management of pallets, with particular attention to the constant monitoring of temperatures.

“Temperature controls are imperative for our customers,” said Daniela Mossa, Commercial Manager, explaining that the presence of ethylene is something the terminal is constantly vigilant of. “Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone which induces the ripening process for many fruits.”

Quality control is therefore a vital part of the work conducted at the Vado Ligure port location. “We’re proud because meeting, and even exceeding, the exacting standards of a premium supplier tells us we are doing our jobs well. It is our intention to continue to lift standards in the industry and to continue to delight our customers, earn their trust, and deliver for their consumers,” says Mossa.

The terminal at the port of Vado Ligure specializes in fruit logistics and offers supply chains to markets in Northern Italy, Southern France, Switzerland, Bavaria and beyond. The Vado Reefer Terminal has been the largest refrigerated terminal in the Mediterranean for more than thirty years and handles 600,000 pallets per year, is also a world-class terminal for the handling of containers and general cargo. Earlier this year the terminal unveiled a new automated gate for the loading and unloading of containers, and is also able to accommodate dry containers dedicated to the transport of goods that do not require temperature control.