Guide

Eight checks before your first container

How to avoid arriving to a claim when you buy fresh fruit from Peru.

Most arrival claims start with something that could have been seen at origin: fruit packed too mature, a warm pallet loaded into a cold container, or a specification that each side read differently. These are the checks we run before any container leaves Peru. You can use them with any supplier.

1. Put the specification in writing

Sizes or counts, maturity (dry matter for avocado, Brix for grapes, blueberries and mango), defect tolerances, packaging and labels. If a point is not written down, it will be argued about later.

2. Agree which standard applies

Your own spec, a UNECE marketing standard for Europe, or USDA grades and PACA good delivery for the US. Write it into the contract.

3. Inspect at the packing house, before loading

A sample from each lot, measured, not estimated. The report should state sample size and carry dated photos.

4. Check pulp temperature, not air temperature

Reefers are built to hold temperature, not to cool warm fruit. Probe the fruit before it goes in. Typical targets: blueberries and grapes around 0 °C, avocado 5 to 7 °C, mango around 10 to 13 °C.

5. Record the reefer settings

Setpoint, ventilation or controlled atmosphere settings, and a data logger placed in the load. Photograph the controller display.

6. Photograph the loading and the seal

Pallet count, stacking pattern, labels and seal number. These photos settle more disputes than any other document.

7. Inspect on arrival, quickly

Fruit keeps changing after discharge. Arrange a USDA or independent inspection as soon as the container is opened, and compare it with the origin report.

8. Talk before you claim

With origin and arrival reports side by side, most disagreements are settled in a call. Without them, both sides are guessing.

We can do steps 3 to 6 for you

Our inspectors work at Peruvian packing houses for any importer, whether or not you buy through us. See how inspection works

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