"Logistics has become more complex for all parties involved. We see more volatility, which comes with higher risks and costs. It also means that information plays an increasingly important role," states Omar Moghrani of Shypple Fresh, a digital freight forwarder that is concerned with the overseas transport of mainly flowers and plants, but also fruits and vegetables. The company is the result of a merger between Milestone Fresh and Shypple, which will operate under the name Shypple Fresh after October. They have offices in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Thailand, as well as offices in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Moghrani is the cousin of the late Co van Es, who founded Milestone Fresh in 2012 with the aim of making the flower industry well-prepared for the future. "Co van Es was committed to his customers and understood what they needed. He went that extra mile, being always available and well-informed. We want to continue this legacy," he says. In this article he tells how Shypple Fresh is upholding this legacy, and what they expect for the future that the industry should prepare for.
Omar Moghrani
Volatility and change
According to Moghrani, this future of shipping will be characterized by volatility and change. Factors such as geopolitical dynamics, environmental developments or container scans in port terminals can all affect the transport of flowers and plants. It can for instance impact the availability of transport, the height of container prices, and the quality of products. "We all have to deal with it," he says.
In addition, he expects that regulation regarding sustainability and plant health will raise new complexities. He points out that stricter legal requirements will come along with comprehensive logistic documentation and all kinds of administrative procedures. Aside from that, he believes that sea freight will eventually play a more important role as technologies in this field are becoming more advanced.
Multiple sources and personal communication
Moghrani points out that accurate and timely information is essential for effectively managing these developments. This is where Shypple Fresh comes in. The company provides customers with insight in the transport process through their digital platform. "All the information is at one place, at the right time." The platform is available in Dutch, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French.
When asked what makes their platform stand out, Moghrani mentions their wide array of sources, as well as the personal touch of their services. "We use multiple sources including suppliers, customs systems, GPS data, and websites of shipping companies. We also have a real-time connection with Portbase and terminals in Rotterdam and Antwerp. In this way our customers have better insight in logistic processes, and receive information faster.
The information on the platform is great but the people behind it make it successful. They make sure that the information is adequately and proactively communicated with our customers while also offering advice. Since we have offices at the location of origin, we can provide insight into the first stages of the logistical process. Whatever the future will be, we will never give up on this personal element."
Towards a digital future
At Shypple Fresh they are convinced that the future is digital, therefore they continue to develop their platform. "The flower industry will become increasingly digital. Digital systems such as ERP, webshops, trading platforms and WMS will become more advanced and their mutual connectivity is likely to improve." According to the digital freight forwarder, this brings new opportunities. They share some of the subjects that they currently work on.
The new Shypple Fresh logo
In the light of the expected increase in sea freight, the company also has services that allow for the monitoring of the conditions inside ship containers. Further, they look for ways to provide more data that can have an effect on the sustainability of flowers. To provide more insight in the beginning of the import or export process, they are further developing their offices at the location of origin. Likewise, the technology-driven platform invests in solutions that help to increase last-mile insight. "The more information, the more control importers and exporters have in these dynamic times," Moghrani concludes.
For more information:
Omar Moghrani
Shypple Fresh
[email protected]
www.shypple.com