Company News & B2B Partnerships
Oct 17, 2026
Fresh fruit is a race against time. Every hour between harvest and arrival affects appearance, texture, and shelf life — which is why cold-chain logistics are the single most important factor in successful fresh fruit export. This guide explains the key cold-chain practices for shipping Iranian and Uzbek fresh produce to international markets.
Why Cold Chain Matters
Fresh fruits continue to respire after harvest, consuming oxygen and releasing heat. Without proper temperature control:
- Fruit softens and spoils faster
- Color fades and texture degrades
- Fungal growth accelerates
- Entire shipments can be rejected at destination
Cold chain maintains temperatures within a narrow range from field to shelf, preserving quality and reducing losses.
Pre-Cooling: The Critical First Step
Pre-cooling removes field heat immediately after harvest. Depending on the fruit:
- Citrus — 5–8°C, forced-air cooling
- Kiwifruit — 0°C, rapid cooling to delay ripening
- Apples — 0–2°C
- Pomegranates — 5°C
Pre-cooling must happen within hours of harvest — not days.
Packaging for Cold Chain
Correct packaging protects fruit from mechanical damage and maintains airflow:
- Ventilated carton boxes for citrus and apples
- Perforated liners for kiwifruit
- Padded trays for pomegranates
- Palletized loading for container efficiency
Container Selection
- Reefer containers — temperature-controlled, used for long transit (2+ weeks)
- Controlled Atmosphere (CA) — reduces oxygen, extends shelf life for kiwifruit and apples
- Dry containers — only for very short routes and hardy fruits
Monitoring and Documentation
Modern cold-chain shipments use data loggers to track temperature throughout transit. Buyers should:
- Request temperature logs at delivery
- Verify pre-cooling was completed before loading
- Confirm the reefer set point on the bill of lading
Noori Agro's Cold-Chain Capabilities
We ship fresh citrus, kiwifruit, apples, and pomegranates directly from Iran to buyers across Russia, Kazakhstan, the UAE, and Europe. Our cold-chain logistics include pre-cooling, reefer containers, and full temperature documentation.
Explore fresh fruit products or contact our logistics team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shelf life of fresh fruit in a reefer?
Depending on the fruit: citrus 30–45 days, kiwifruit 45–60 days, apples and pomegranates 60–90 days.
Do you ship mixed fresh fruit containers?
Yes, with careful attention to temperature compatibility between fruits.
Which markets do you ship fresh fruit to?
Primarily Russia, Kazakhstan, the UAE, and select European markets.