15 August 2025, Friday
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IAG Cargo reported a 21 per cent year-on-year increase in perishable volumes in the first half of 2025, driven by rising demand for fresh produce, reports London's Air Cargo News.
The company said the growth reflects a broader trend toward healthier food choices, citing McKinsey research that forecasts only 0.2 per cent volume growth in European grocery retail through 2030, but a rising appetite for fresh items.
Peru's perishables exports are booming, with asparagus shipments up 105 per cent year-on-year in March, according to the Agrarian News Agency. Spain remains a top destination for Peruvian produce.
IAG Cargo said air freight plays a vital role in off-season markets, ensuring speed and freshness. The company has expanded its perishables handling facility in Madrid, creating a hub to manage fresh produce efficiently.
Rodrigo Casal, regional commercial manager of the Americas, said IAG Cargo's partnerships with producers go beyond logistics, helping connect them to new markets and support local economies.
Carlos Aparcana, of Peak Quality, said the Lima-Madrid route is crucial for his supply chain, especially during the September–December high season, when the company ships up to 30 tonnes of asparagus daily.
IAG Cargo operates 250 weekly flights between Europe and Latin America, serving 33 destinations in the region. It also offers 24 weekly services between the UK and West Africa.
The company, which sells cargo capacity on British Airways, Iberia, Level and Aer Lingus flights, saw overall cargo volumes rise 1.6 per cent year-on-year in Q2 2025 to 1.3 billion.
IAG Cargo's Constant Climate product, focused on pharmaceutical logistics, recorded a 22 per cent increase in tonnage in 2024, reflecting continued investment in temperature-sensitive supply chains.
