ne of the biggest challenges in the production and handling of perishable products is the short shelf life of foods.
In countries with a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, such as Panama, this challenge is even greater, as food ripening and deterioration occur more quickly.
For this reason, efficient logistics are essential to reduce handling and transport times, ensuring the freshness of products until they reach the final destination, including international markets.
The story of VPC Company, a specialist in the sale and distribution of fruits and vegetables in Panama, demonstrates how the cold chain became a competitive advantage through the consolidation of Emergent Cold LatAm as a logistics partner.
VPC Company: specialist in fruits and vegetables
Specializing in the sale and distribution of fruits and vegetables to retail, wholesale, and institutional clients, Vida Produce Company, known as VPC Company, combines direct exports to major global markets with distribution focused on the Americas.
Logistics in Latin America: A Highly Complex Operational Challenge
Infrastructure in Latin America is heterogeneous. In destination markets such as Chile and the United States, more consolidated structures exist along with greater availability of technical knowledge and specialized solutions.
In Panama and much of Central America, these resources are still more limited, highlighting differences in cold chain development levels across regions.
Added to this are high transportation costs, complex customs procedures, and differences in sanitary and trade regulations between countries.
Moreover, the lack of integration between transportation systems, long or highly variable transit times, and technological limitations make it difficult to maintain product quality, meet delivery deadlines, and remain competitive at the regional level.
For VPC Company, this scenario did not allow for maintaining ideal conditions for fresh products, nor did it guarantee continuity in the cold chain, which is essential to preserve shelf life.
As a result, inventory was very limited, leading to delivery failures or complaints from end consumers due to nonconformities.
Criteria for Choosing a Logistics Operator
The decisive factors in selecting Emergent Cold LatAm as a logistics partner to address VPC’s challenges were:
- International presence;
- Extensive expertise in the full handling of fresh products;
- Robust and specialized infrastructure;
- Skilled and specialized team;
- Alignment with VPC’s quality standards.
As highlighted by Simon Navarrete, Country Manager at VPC, “The professionalism and knowledge of the team ensure an efficient operation aligned with our quality standards.”
Results of a Specialized Cold Chain Logistics Partnership
The partnership with Emergent Cold generated both qualitative and quantitative benefits for the operation.
By storing products in temperature-controlled facilities and relying on a logistics network positioned at key centers and ports, VPC Company observed:
- Fewer inspections;
- Reduced waste;
- Fewer rejections;
- Shorter delivery times;
- Extended quality of fresh products;
- Less need for fruit sorting before delivery;
- Professionalization of key areas, such as fruit unloading, inventory management, and transportation, both from the port and to customers.
Strengthening the cold chain and logistics network translated into measurable results. VPC Company recorded:
- A 4.5% reduction in waste by weight;
- An 8% decrease in incomplete deliveries or returns compared to 2024 (the year prior to the partnership);
- A 15% increase in sales of more sensitive products, such as berries.
VPC Company and Emergent Cold LatAm: A Partnership That Continues to Drive Results
Our partnership goes beyond the positive results achieved. The team continues to monitor and support VPC Company in the daily challenges typical of the fresh food business.
Even in the face of seasonal variations common in the sector, we demonstrate flexibility to adapt without compromising quality or the integrity of the cold chain.
Simon Navarrete concludes:
“The service provided by Emergent Cold LatAm has added significant value to our operations, helping us substantially enhance the quality of our product.
The added value embedded in the product is reflected primarily in maintaining its quality throughout the entire logistics operation: quality of infrastructure, quality of operations, and human quality. Quality is the central focus of the entire collaboration.”
Follow VPC Company’s Lead and Trust Emergent Cold LatAm Solutions
The VPC Company success story is just one of many examples of clients who have increased operational efficiency, reduced losses, and strengthened cold chain control with the support of our specialized infrastructure.
We support our clients in export and import processes, including customs documentation management, port logistics, and access to specialized facilities to deliver their products to over 150 destinations worldwide.
If you want to optimize your logistics and bring your products to new markets with safety and control, contact us right away.
