The Port of Wilmington in Delaware has received its first breakbulk shipment of Chilean fruit to arrive during this U.S. winter, with the m/v Green Italia discharging her cargo of more than 290,000 boxes of fresh cherries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, nectarines and table grapes today.

The milestone marks the eighth consecutive season that the port can have this honor. 

The specialized refrigerated vessel operated by Trans Global Shipping NV in the Global Reefers service is the first of at least 25 shiploads the port expects from Chilean ports, which include Valparaiso, Coquimbo, and Caldera.

"We are privileged, to once again serve our customers and trade partners in support of the timely distribution of the freshest available fruit to North American Consumers,” said Gene Bailey, the Port’s Executive Director.

"Wilmington has been a great partner for us – our destination and, as such, critical not only to our group but to our customers. We are looking forward to another successful season," added Harold Cohen, Global Reefers port captain and USA representative.

The cargo is stored in the Port’s 800,000 sf on-dock refrigerated warehouse complex, one of North America’s largest, before distribution throughout Canada and the eastern region of the U.S.

The Port handled more than 14,100,000 boxes of Chilean fruit in the 2016-17 season.

This important trade supports over 857 family sustaining jobs and annually generates $48 million in personal income, US$51 million in business revenue and US$5 million in tax revenue for the State and the region.

www.freshfruitportal.com