Shaping the Future of Perishable Shipping at Asia Fruit Logistica 2026

Shaping the Future of Perishable Shipping at Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 

Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 brought together leaders across the fresh produce industry to discuss how changing trade flows, technology and evolving customer needs are reshaping the future of perishable logistics.

For Ocean Network Express (ONE), the event was an opportunity not only to showcase our reefer capabilities and expertise, but to engage with customers and industry partners on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector, from emerging trade corridors and growing commodity flows to greater visibility and resilience across the cold chain.

Across three days, our global and regional teams connected with customers, exporters and partners, sharing perspectives and exploring how smarter, more connected global shipping and logistics can help move fresh produce from field to market with greater confidence. 

Understanding the Changing Shape of Asia’s Fresh Produce Trade

Speaking at the Asiafruit Knowledge Centre, Sarah Man, Assistant General Manager of Marketing & Commercial Country Management for East Asia, highlighted how evolving trade flows and cross-border integration are reshaping fresh produce supply chains. 

Sarah Man joins industry leaders at the Asiafruit Knowledge Centre to share insights on evolving trade flows and the future of fresh produce supply chains across Asia.

The acceleration of intra-Asia trade, supported by infrastructure developments such as the China-Laos railway, alongside new global gateways such as Chancay Port in Peru, is creating new routes for fresh produce to reach growing consumer markets.

At the same time, the rapid growth of commodities such as durian between Southeast Asia and China highlights the need for supply chains that can adapt quickly to changing volumes, seasonal peaks and increasingly specialised cargo requirements.

The opportunity is clear: as trade flows evolve, reliable connectivity and specialised cold chain capabilities will become increasingly important in enabling the next phase of growth in fresh produce trade. 

From Cold Chain Innovation to Intelligent Reefer Logistics

At the FRESHTech stage, Matty van der Waal, Deputy General Manager of Global Reefer and Special Cargo, reflected on ONE’s evolution in reefer innovation, from Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology to near real-time CONTAINER+ telematics and the use of data and AI to support more predictive logistics.

The continued focus on innovation was also recognized at the FRESHTech Innovation Award, where ONE achieved a Top 3 finish for its Dual-Temperature Refrigerated Container. The solution addresses a fundamental challenge in perishable logistics: how to improve container utilization and manage different temperature requirements while helping customers control freight costs and protect cargo quality. 

Matty van der Waal receiving ONE’s FRESHTech Innovation Award recognition, a testament to our continued investment in reefer innovation and intelligent cold chain solutions.

Looking Ahead

The conversations at Asia Fruit Logistica reinforced a broader industry shift: the future of perishable logistics is not simply about moving cargo from one destination to another. It is about creating more resilient, visible and intelligent supply chains that can respond to changing trade patterns and customer expectations. 

At ONE, we will continue to invest in reefer technology, global connectivity and specialised expertise to support our customers as the industry evolves, helping connect growing markets with the fresh produce they need, while protecting quality across every mile.