[Press Release] MSC iReefer and Global Trade Services Move Fresh Fruit Logistics With Confidence

This content has been published as provided by its author. It has only been modified from its original version to follow Produce Report editorial guidelines and for necessary website formatting.

In 2024, China’s fruit trade continued to grow steadily. According to official data, imports rose by 5.25% year on year (YoY) to $17.75 billion, equivalent to approximately 7.69 million metric tons, while exports surged by 20.16% YoY to $5.99 billion, totaling around 5.06 million metric tons. These figures reflect robust demand both domestically and internationally.

The sustained growth in fruit trade, particularly imports, demonstrates China’s ongoing appetite for fresh produce. Citrus fruits remain a key fruit import during summer, especially from Southern Hemisphere countries such as Australia and South Africa. However, the perishable and temperature-sensitive nature of these fruits poses significant logistical challenges. These underscore the need to stay on top of reefer shipments with advanced and reliable reefer cargo solutions and services to ensure quality and safety throughout the transportation process.

MSC iReefer Solution: Advanced Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring for Reefer Cargo

To address these challenges and meet rising customer expectations, MSC launched its iReefer solution in February 2025. As the most advanced container monitoring system for reefer cargo, MSC iReefer enables customers to track and monitor their shipments 24/7, from anywhere in the world. It provides real-time visibility into the shipment’s position, temperature, humidity and other important factors, optimizing efficiency and preventing waste. Key customer benefits include:

• Real-time monitoring to reduce the risk of damage or loss
• Enhanced security
• Advanced temperature control ensures optimal conditions for sensitive cargo
• Increased efficiency and cost savings thanks to data-driven insights
• Greater transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Accessible 24/7 via myMSC, MSC’s secure eBusiness platform, also via API

Jonathan Zhu, managing director of MSC Greater China, emphasized, “Taking a proactive approach to understanding our customers’ needs, MSC is committed not only to meeting but exceeding their expectations for fresh produce transportation. Our MSC iReefer solution, the most advanced container monitoring system specially designed for temperature-sensitive cargo, will help prevent losses and optimize efficiency throughout the entire transportation journey.”

Comprehensive Trade Services Connecting China to Key Fruit Markets

In addition to its advanced equipment, MSC offers comprehensive and competitive trade services between China with various key fruit import and export destinations, helping to streamline supply chains and unlock new business opportunities.

For citrus fruit imports into China, the Wallaby service offers direct connections from Australia, while the Ingwe service ensures seamless connectivity between South Africa’s major citrus export ports and the Chinese market.

As MSC continues to expand and enhance its service offering, it recently launched the Alpaca service linking South America with China, providing exporters with a fast and reliable solution for accessing Asian markets.

MSC’s Expertise in Cold Chain Logistics

A global leader in transporting temperature-sensitive goods, MSC operates one of the world’s largest reefer fleet and delivers over 2 million TEUs of reefer cargo annually. Its energy-efficient fleet is also equipped with the Star Cool system, which maintains precise temperatures through a simple, effective and energy-saving design. Additionally, by integrating its ocean and intermodal networks (road, rail and barge), MSC brings fresh fruits including citrus fruit and beyond, from farm to fork.

Meet MSC Experts and Presentations at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

With 50+ years of experience in the rapidly evolving fruit sector, MSC will be exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) 2025 during Sept. 3–5 at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.

During AFL, MSC experts will also share insights into the company’s cutting-edge container tracking and monitoring solution, comprehensive global network and specialized reefer capabilities. More information here.

Date: Sept. 3–5, 2025
Venue: AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, China
MSC Booth: Hall 3, Stand 3M15

With its advanced iReefer solution and robust trade services, MSC’s experts look forward to meeting visitors and discussing how MSC helps growers, exporters and retailers move fresh produce with confidence. Book an appointment with MSC today.

About MSC

Founded in 1970, MSC has grown from a single-vessel operation to a world-renowned shipping and logistics transportation services company with a fleet of 900 vessels and a workforce of 200,000 employees worldwide. As the world’s largest shipping company in terms of capacity, MSC operates in 155 countries on five continents, calling at up to 520 ports on more than 300 trade routes, and carries about 27 million TEUs annually on a modern fleet equipped with the latest environmental technology.

Images: MSC