PML Seafrigo, a global logistics and supply chain specialist, is making waves in the US market this Christmas by satisfying American appetites for premium British artisan cheeses. The company’s scheduled chilled LCL (Less than Container Load) service to New York has proven to be a game-changer for British craft cheese producers, allowing them to tap into the US market’s growing demand for high-quality, handcrafted cheeses during the festive season.

The LCL service ensures a swift transfer of the best of British artisan foods to the States in just 11 days, garnering significant attention from American retailers eager to offer their customers unique and premium cheese options.

Operated on a monthly basis, PML Seafrigo’s LCL service has gained traction among specialist food producers, who appreciate the cost-effective nature of this freight solution (customers pay only for the space they use in the container). Cheese, in particular, has emerged as the star export during the holiday season, with the last pre-Christmas consignment already en route to the US. Additionally, PML Seafrigo provides a Full Container Load (FCL) route, with one of the top five multiples shipping a container of cheese every week via this channel.

Ian Shuttlewood, Director of Ocean and Road at PML Seafrigo, expressed satisfaction with the positive response from food producers and highlighted the potential for diversification. He noted, “Looking ahead, we anticipate significant interest from premium chocolate producers keen to capitalize on the major windows of opportunity represented by Valentine’s Day and Easter.”

Shuttlewood emphasized the company’s ability to create a dedicated chocolate chamber within the container to cater to the specific temperature requirements of chocolate. PML Seafrigo’s warehousing facilities in the UK and the US further enhance the efficiency of transferring temperature-sensitive cargo, ensuring that fine chocolate goods reach their destination in optimal condition.

Recent research by the CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates a reduction in overall British chocolate exports to the EU post-Brexit, while exports to non-EU countries such as China, the USA, and Australia have seen an uptick. Given that U.S. imports of chocolate significantly surpass those of the next largest importer, PML Seafrigo’s strategic logistics approach presents a lucrative opportunity for UK chocolatiers to tap into the thriving US market.