2025 demanded faster, smarter, and colder than ever before. For Commodity Forwarders Inc. (CFI), this was a year of evolution, where reliable cold chain logistics became mission-critical and innovation separated the shippers from the spoilers.
If you move temperature-sensitive goods—whether it’s fresh seafood, fruits, flowers, or pharmaceuticals—this year tested your supply chain like never before.
Here’s what mattered most in perishables logistics in 2025:
1. Cold Chain Precision Became the Baseline
The days of “close enough” are over. In 2025, cold chain success meant precise temperatures, real-time telemetry, and exception management during transit.
- Real-time temperature sensors became industry standard.
- Visibility platforms gained FDA-level trust.
- Retailers began enforcing stricter cold chain compliance across all categories.
How CFI responded: With specialized CoolSkys packaging, carrier alignment, in-shipment device deployment and 24/7 monitoring, CFI protected everything from California cherries to chilled salmon across thousands of miles—without a single degree of compromise.
2. Weather Extremes Wrought Havoc on Routing
Between wildfires, floods, and weather-induced airport closures, rerouting became a routine occurrence. Planning wasn’t just about geography—it was about climate survival.
- Perishables needed alternate port strategies.
- Drought and flooding shifted the sourcing zones.
- Flight delays increased spoilage risk.
Where CFI excelled: With cold chain operations near key international airports—like LAX, SEA, JFK, MIA, ORD, IAH, and BOS—CFI’s network flexed around disruptions, keeping product in motion even when the sky was working against it.
3. Sustainable Packaging Hit the Mainstream
2025 was the year green packaging grew up. From compostable liners to recyclable cold packs, perishable shippers had to balance eco-cred with effectiveness.
- Big retailers enforced new sustainability metrics.
- Shippers got tax incentives for eco-pack choices.
- Waste audits became part of supplier evaluations.
CFI’s edge: Already piloting biodegradable and reusable materials, CFI worked with clients to transition without risking shelf life or brand reputation.
4. Air Freight Was (Still) King
Even with ocean improvements, perishables still leaned heavily on air freight—and in 2025, shippers needed guaranteed capacity in peak seasons.
- Charter programs boomed for high-value perishables.
- Smart consolidation cuts costs without sacrificing freshness
- Tight labor markets drove up ground handling delays
CFI’s advantage: Decades of airline partnerships and massive perishable volume gave CFI leverage and reliability others couldn’t match.
5. FSMA 204 Compliance Got Real
The FDA’s food traceability rule? It stopped being theoretical. Enforcement kicked in, and suddenly everyone cared about data integrity, traceability logs, and documentation.
- Non-compliance equals delays, penalties, and lost contracts.
- Blockchain-based traceability gained traction.
- Retailers demanded proof of chain-of-custody.
CFI’s solution: Digital documentation and lot-level tracking were already built into CFI’s client workflows. Their early adoption saved clients from last-minute compliance scrambles.
6. AI Made the Smart Shippers Smarter
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for marketing anymore. In 2025, AI-powered tools helped logistics teams:
- Forecasted demand based on weather and harvest conditions.
- Optimized container fill rates.
- Reacted in real-time to delays or spoilage risks.
With CFI’s support, clients leveraged more innovative planning models to avoid waste and capture peak pricing windows—without relying on guesswork.
Looking Ahead
2025 was the year perishable logistics leaped forward. Those who adapted thrived. Those who didn’t? Let’s just say their lettuce wilted before arrival.
As we head into 2026, working with a specialist like CFI—which lives and breathes perishables—isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Essential. Ready to enhance your cold chain performance in 2026?Talk to a perishables expert today.
