In a press release issued on 21 April, the organisation invited stakeholders across the global supply chain to contribute to the development of a “Charter of Good Shipping Practices”, designed to address ongoing disruptions and structural challenges in fresh produce logistics.
Six years after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global trade, the sector continues to face significant volatility, driven by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade flows and increasingly complex regulatory environments. According to the Coalition, these pressures have highlighted the urgent need for more predictable and transparent logistics systems.
The proposed charter aims to establish a shared framework based on key principles such as collaboration, transparency and fairness, with the objective of creating more resilient and sustainable supply chains. Among the priorities identified are clearer pricing structures, fairer contract conditions and improved service transparency across maritime logistics operations.
Greg Palmer, Chair of the Global Coalition and Vice President of Trade & Market Development at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), said the initiative represents a step forward in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the system. He highlighted the importance of developing a common language and shared standards to better align stakeholders across the supply chain.
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The Coalition stressed that adherence to the charter will be voluntary, but noted its potential to drive meaningful change by reducing fragmentation and fostering more coordinated action across the industry.
A first draft of the charter has already been made available to stakeholders, who are invited to discuss its development at a dedicated session to be held during Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong on 3 September.
The initiative forms part of the Coalition’s broader efforts to strengthen global fresh produce supply chains, which remain under pressure from rising costs, logistical bottlenecks and increasing sustainability demands.
By promoting best practices and encouraging collaboration across regions, the organisation aims to support a more efficient, resilient and equitable global trade environment for fresh produce.
