American Airlines Cargo has this year handled record volumes of fresh Brazilian ginger as demand for the product continues to grow.
The airline said that this season it had transported 900 tonnes of Brazilian ginger through its Miami and Los Angeles bases on Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
The carrier said that Miami and Los Angeles act as the primary ports for the product because of their ability to connect to inland US markets through trucking routes.
The ginger is packed in standard cartons on skids before being loaded onto American flights and does not require refrigeration.
Lorena Sandoval, American Airlines Cargo sales director for Florida, Caribbean and Latin America, said: “We are seeing the growing importance of Brazilian ginger, which is a high-quality product, with larger, cleaner roots that meet export standards with minimal processing.
”Additionally, because many of the producers are investing in more sustainable farming practices, including reduced pesticide use and improved soil management, this aligns well with current market trends favouring traceability and environmental responsibility. We are pleased to have been able to play a key role in bringing this special product to market.”
Most of the Brazilian ginger exported to the US is sold fresh in supermarkets, with a smaller percentage heading to restaurants and foodservice providers. All shipments arrive unprocessed, preserving the root’s full natural potency.
