Exporting lychee from China involves multiple steps, each critical for quality, freshness, and market success. 🍒
This guide outlines the entire supply chain from orchard harvest to supermarket shelf, including logistics, cold chain, and risk management.
🌱 1. Harvesting at the Orchard
Harvesting is the first critical step:
- Early morning picking to maintain freshness 🌅
- Selectively harvesting ripe fruits only
- Immediate sorting and inspection for damage or pests 🐛
- Short-term storage in pre-cooling rooms (1–3°C)
Correct harvest timing reduces post-harvest losses by up to 20%.
📦 2. Packing & Grading
After harvesting:
- Fruits are graded by size, color, and Brix (sugar content) 🍬
- Packed in clamshell boxes, foam cartons, or gift boxes depending on market
- Protective inserts minimize mechanical damage during transport
- Labeling includes variety, orchard, weight, and batch code 🏷️
| Step | Purpose | Tools / Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Sorting | Quality check | Grading trays, Brix meter |
| Packing | Protection & branding | Clamshell, foam, carton |
| Labeling | Traceability | Stickers, QR codes |
❄️ 3. Cold Chain Management
Lychee is highly perishable, requiring strict cold chain:
- Pre-cooling at 1–3°C immediately after packing
- Reefer trucks for land transport 🚚
- Reefer containers for sea freight 🚢
- Continuous temperature monitoring 📟
Cold chain ensures shelf life of 10–21 days for fresh lychee.
🛫 4. Transportation Options
Depending on market requirements:
| Mode | Pros | Cons | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight ✈️ | Fast, preserves freshness | High cost | Japan, Middle East, premium markets |
| Reefer Sea Freight 🚢 | Lower cost, large volume | Longer transit | Europe, USA, bulk shipments |
| Express Delivery 🚚 | Local distribution | Limited volume | Urban supermarkets |
🏪 5. Distribution to Supermarkets
Distribution includes:
- Wholesale hubs for sorting & consolidation
- Retailer-specific packaging or repacking
- Delivery schedule based on shelf rotation & seasonal demand
- Inventory management to avoid overstocking & spoilage
Retail-ready cartons often carry branding and traceability info.
🔄 6. Risk Management in the Supply Chain
Risks include:
- Temperature fluctuations ❄️
- Mechanical damage 🍒
- Pesticide residue non-compliance 🧪
- Customs delays 📑
Mitigation strategies:
- Third-party inspection
- GPS temperature logging
- Backup transport options
- Supplier compliance verification
📊 7. Cost Analysis Across the Supply Chain
| Stage | Cost Component | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Orchard | Labor, irrigation | Medium |
| Packing | Boxes, inserts, labels | High |
| Cold Chain | Pre-cooling, transport | Very High |
| Distribution | Freight, handling | Medium |
Efficient supply chain design reduces losses and improves margin.
🌍 8. Market-Specific Adjustments
Different markets require specific supply chain strategies:
- Japan 🇯🇵: Fast air freight, premium packaging
- EU 🇪🇺: Strict pesticide testing, sustainable packaging
- USA 🇺🇸: Frozen lychee preferred for longer shelf life
- Middle East 🇦🇪: Gift pack customization, festive seasons
🔮 9. Trends in Lychee Supply Chain
- Digitized traceability using QR codes 📱
- AI-assisted harvest and sorting 🤖
- Hybrid fresh + frozen logistics to cover off-season ❄️
- Sustainable & eco-friendly packaging ♻️
Modern supply chains are data-driven, efficient, and transparent.
⭐ 10. Real Buyer Reviews on Lychee Supply Chain
💬 Feedback from international importers
- 👩🇦🇺 MelbourneFresh (Australia): “Supply chain ensured consistent freshness.”
- 👨🇯🇵 OsakaRetail (Japan): “Air freight kept lychee perfect for retail.”
- 👩🇦🇪 DubaiLuxury (UAE): “Distribution was smooth, no spoilage.”
- 👨🇩🇪 FrankfurtGrocer (Germany): “Cold chain maintained fruit quality.”
- 👩🇸🇬 SingaporeOrganic (Singapore): “Traceability QR codes reassured customers.”
- 👨🇫🇷 LyonFoods (France): “Packing quality minimized damage.”
- 👩🇨🇦 VancouverFruitCo (Canada): “Logistics and timing were perfect.”
- 👨🇲🇾 PenangRetail (Malaysia): “Consistent batch delivery improved sales.”
- 👩🇰🇷 BusanFresh (Korea): “Cold chain integrity was excellent.”
- 👨🇬🇧 ManchesterFruits (UK): “Packaging and transport reduced losses.”
- 👩🇳🇱 RotterdamSupermarket (Netherlands): “Supply chain efficiency impressed us.”
- 👨🇹🇭 ChiangMaiMarket (Thailand): “Distribution worked without delay.”
- 👩🇸🇦 JeddahRetail (Saudi Arabia): “Gift pack logistics handled perfectly.”
- 👨🇮🇹 NaplesImport (Italy): “Shelf-ready cartons saved time.”
- 👩🇺🇸 SeattleOrganic (USA): “Fresh lychee reached stores in perfect condition.”
🌟 Conclusion
A well-managed supply chain from orchard to supermarket is essential for lychee import success.
By optimizing harvest, packaging, cold chain, transport, and retail delivery, importers can maximize freshness, reduce loss, and increase profitability in global markets.
Article link：https://www.vlefooena.com/%f0%9f%9a%9b-orchard-to-supermarket-the-complete-lychee-supply-chain-from-china/
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