HOUSTON – Port Houston has announced a significant milestone: it has received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to handle cold treatment cargo. This approval allows Port Houston to manage shipments undergoing the cold treatment process while in transit, greatly enhancing its operational capabilities and expanding its service offerings.
Jacquie Ediger, Executive Vice President of Pro Citrus Network and Foremost Fresh Direct, expressed enthusiasm about this development. “As an established importer and distributor of fresh produce in Houston, having cold treatment services in this region is imperative to broaden access to key commodities and sustainable growth. We congratulate Port Houston’s team for achieving this significant milestone,” said Ediger. “These services will help the Port grow the volume of perishables cargo and ultimately support our commitment and key objective – to deliver fresh produce to customers as fresh and cost-effective as possible.”
Cold treatment is a vital process designed to mitigate the risk of pests in fresh produce. By maintaining specific temperatures for a designated period, this treatment ensures that fruits and vegetables are safe for import without introducing harmful pests into the United States. With APHIS’s approval, Port Houston is now positioned as a significant player in the international cold chain logistics sector.
Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston, highlighted the importance of this achievement. “Receiving APHIS approval to handle cold treatment cargo is a major achievement for Port Houston,” said Guenther. “This capability allows us to provide additional services to our customers, helping ensure their perishable goods arrive in optimal condition. It further solidifies our commitment to supporting global trade and meeting the stringent standards of agricultural safety.”
The approval process by APHIS is rigorous, involving comprehensive assessments to ensure that the Port’s facilities and operations meet the highest standards for handling cold-treatment cargo. With this authorization, Port Houston can now accept a broader range of perishable products, including citrus fruits, grapes, and other high-value produce that require precise temperature controls during transportation.
Dante Galeazzi, President/CEO of Texas International Produce Association, also commented on the approval’s impact. “The approval of the USDA APHIS Certified Cold Treatment at Port Houston will be an incredible benefit to the region. Houston is already a prime location, and offering this service makes it even more attractive to international shippers, further expanding the range of commodities that can be imported through the Port,” said Galeazzi. “On top of the many other additions happening at and around Port Houston, these projects continue to make Texas the prime sourcing location for fresh fruits and vegetables.”
Port Houston’s state-of-the-art facilities, combined with its strategic location and skilled workforce, make it an ideal hub for handling cold treatment cargo. This new capability complements the Port’s existing strengths in cargo diversity and enhances its role in the global logistics network.
