How to Export Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in a Reefer Container – Step by Step Process.

Exporting fresh fruits and vegetables? Using a reefer (refrigerated) container can help maintain the product’s quality and extend its shelf life.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Sourcing from the Farm
Start by bringing fresh fruits or vegetables directly from the farm to your packing facility.

2. Sorting & Grading
Sort and grade the produce based on size, color, and quality to meet export standards.

3. Packaging as per Buyer Requirement
Pack the sorted produce into boxes based on your buyer’s preference:
2 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg, or 5 kg boxes.
Use strong, ventilated packaging suitable for export.

4. Pre-Cooling (Very Important!)
Before loading, do pre-cooling for 7–8 hours.
This step helps remove field heat and prepares the produce for cold storage conditions.

5. Loading into Reefer Container
After pre-cooling, load the produce into the refrigerated container.
Set the temperature as per the product’s requirement (for example, 2°C to 8°C depending on the fruit/vegetable).

Maintaining the right temperature throughout the journey keeps the product fresh and extends shelf life.

6. Customs Clearance
Send the loaded container to the port.
Here, customs clearance and other export formalities will be completed.

7. Export Shipment
Finally, the reefer container is shipped to the destination country with your temperature-sensitive cargo in perfect condition.


Using reefer containers ensures your fresh products reach the buyer in top-quality condition, even after long-distance shipping.
If you’re into agri-export, this is one of the best ways to maintain freshness and reduce wastage.


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