Perishables logistics is never static—especially when 98% of your product moves by air. Between rising compliance standards, shifts in trade policy, and growing demand for real-time shipment visibility, staying ahead means knowing what’s coming next.
At CFI, perishables aren’t just part of what we do—they’re everything. As we close out 2025, here are the top five trends we expect to define perishables logistics in 2026.
1. Tariff Pressures Continue to Shift Global Sourcing Behavior
U.S. agricultural exporters continue to face reciprocal tariffs and import restrictions from key trade partners. This is affecting both pricing and purchasing decisions, particularly for commodity produce and proteins.
- Some foreign buyers are shifting to non-U.S. suppliers due to pricing uncertainty or political signaling.
- Impact: reduced demand for U.S.-origin fruits, vegetables, and meats in markets like China, India, and parts of the EU.
- CFI Response: We help shippers discover new trade routes, diversify their markets, and optimize cargo cycles for higher-value items that remain in demand.
2. Health and Safety Regulations Tighten on Global Imports
New pesticide residue limits, antibiotic restrictions, and hormone bans are reshaping market access. This hits meat, poultry, and fresh produce the hardest.
- Example: More markets now follow EU-style residue regulations, even if not officially aligned.
- Outcome: Rejections and delays tied to paperwork, treatment declarations, and certificates.
- CFI Response: We work closely with exporters and carriers to align documentation and proactively identify and address shipment concerns before cargo is tendered.
3. Real-Time Visibility Will Be Mandatory, Not Optional
Retailers and importers are demanding live temperature, humidity, and location data across the entire journey—not just at pickup and drop-off.
- More perishables are now shipped with real-time data loggers or connected IoT devices that allow mid-flight and tarmac temperature monitoring.
- CFI Response: We’ve expanded our technology stack to support full-trip monitoring, exception alerts, and data-sharing with customers and their consignees.
4. Resilience Takes Priority in Airfreight Planning
Even without pandemic-level disruptions, airfreight remains volatile. Weather events, geopolitical issues, and airport labor shortages continue to affect flight schedules and hold times.
- Shippers are moving from “just-in-time” to “buffered and diversified.”
- CFI Response: Our network enables multi-airport routing, faster transfers, and backup plans that don’t compromise your cold chain.
5. Sustainability Is Becoming a Buyer Requirement
Sustainability is no longer just a marketing checkbox—it’s part of how international buyers choose suppliers.
- Retailers and food service chains seek carbon-conscious partners, as well as proof of waste reduction and energy efficiency within their supply chains.
- CFI Response: We’ve adopted more fuel-efficient routing practices, improved cold storage operations, and are expanding our carbon tracking tools for customers. For interested customers, we can also discuss SAF fuel options. However, the premium SAF puts price-sensitive commodities out of reach for some markets, unless the seller and buyer are willing to absorb some of the additional costs together.
In perishables, conditions are constantly changing—and they’re rarely in your control. At CFI, we help our partners navigate tighter regulations, volatile capacity, and evolving customer expectations, all while maintaining speed and quality.
With cold chain operations at LAX, SEA, JFK, MIA, ORD, IAH, BOS, SFO, ANC, DFW, ITO, KOA, LIH, HNL, OGG, YHZ, YVR, GDL, MEX, and global handoff points, CFI supports a worldwide supply chain that demands both speed and accuracy. We’re not just transporting freight—we’re safeguarding value, freshness, and trust at every step.
If you’re ready to meet fresh challenges with a seasoned pro, contact your CFI representative today.
