London Heathrow-based IAG Cargo has reported a 21% year-on-year increase in the volume of perishable goods transported during the first half of 2025.
The rise comes as demand for fresh produce continues to grow. IAG said recent research from McKinsey & Company highlighted that although 0.2% volume growth through 2030 is expected in the European grocery retail market, there is a growing appetite for healthy food.
In particular, Peru is posting record perishables export growth. In March alone, year-on-year asparagus exports surged by 105%, with Spain among the top destinations, said IAG Cargo, citing a report from the Agrarian News Agency.
During off-season markets, air cargo becomes critical in maintaining speed, quality and shelf freshness, said IAG Cargo.
To meet rising perishables demand, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) has continued to invest in infrastructure that supports the efficient movement of fresh produce.
The expansion of its perishables handling facility in Madrid in April 2024 has created a key hub for efficiently managing fresh produce and accelerating their journey to the consumer.
Rodrigo Casal, regional commercial manager of the Americas, said: "At IAG Cargo we understand the urgency and care fresh produce demands and work closely with our customer to meet their timeline needs.
"But these partnerships go beyond logistics. By keeping fresh goods moving, we’re also connecting producers with new markets, strengthening local economies, sustaining livelihoods, and creating opportunities across the supply chain.”
Speaking about IAG Cargo's Lima-Madrid route, Carlos Aparcana, general manager of export company Peak Quality, said: "The Lima-Madrid route is essential for our supply chain, connecting us directly with our key markets in Europe. During our high season from September to December, we handle up to 30 tonnes of asparagus a day."
IAG Cargo currently serves 33 destinations in Latin America, with 250 flights per week between Europe and the region, and offers capacity on 24 weekly services between the UK and West Africa.
The company, which operates and sells cargo capacity on British Airways, Iberia, Level and Aer Lingus flights, said cargo volumes in the second quarter of 2025 were up 1.6% year on year to 1.3bn.
IAG Cargo’s Constant Climate product recorded a 22% year-on-year increase in tonnage in 2024 as the company continued to invest in air cargo pharmaceutical supply chains.
