Fast and Fresh: How ZIM Grape Express is Raisin’ the Bar

The world of fresh fruit logistics is constantly evolving, and when it comes to shipping Chilean grapes, speed and reliability are crucial. ZIM Grape Express was designed specifically to address this need – offering a fast and direct shipping solution from Peru and Chile to South Korea.

What started out as a simple idea, shaped by lessons learned from the success of the ZIM Cherry Express and feedback from customers, evolved into a new service created after identifying growing demand for this premium fruit in Asia. In this interview with Carlos Zamora, ZIM Chile Country Manager, we take you behind the scenes to explore how this fresh solution came to life, the challenges it solves, and how it’s making an impact in the market.

How did the idea of Grape Express first take shape?

It all started with a discussion about new market opportunities, driven by input from our customers, and exploring ways to approach them. We were looking at how we could bring value to unique regions, and Pusan quickly stood out as a destination with strong potential. Chile has always been a key player in fruit exports, but when we started shaping the idea further, it became clear that Pusan was not only a growing market but also one that needed a direct, fast shipping solution for fresh grapes. That’s when we knew we had an opportunity to do something different.

What made Pusan stand out as an opportunity?

Pusan used to be one of the primary destinations for our fruit exports. Just a few years ago, it was a key port in the Asia to West Coast South America trade, handling not only grapes but a variety of refrigerated goods. However, after the pandemic, industry dynamics shifted. The rotation was restructured, and instead of vessels calling Pusan directly, they started entering North and South China.

What did you discover after speaking with customers?

The demand was definitely there. We found that customers needed a dedicated solution to ship fresh grapes to Pusan, particularly within a short 6-8-week seasonal window. This aligned with what we had anticipated – the market was ready for a service designed specifically around this demand.

At the same time, we had just seen the success of the Cherry Express to Tianjin, which proved that a fast, direct shipping service could make a real difference. That gave us the confidence to move forward quickly and build a solution that could match the specific needs of grape exporters.

How did you turn the idea into reality?

It wasn’t just about acting fast, but about being agile throughout the process. The Grape Express was officially launched with six direct vessels directly calling Pusan – and reaching Pusan port within 30 days. We enhanced the ZIM Albatross’ route to improve transit times, introducing dedicated voyages from Chile to South Korea in just 25 days, and from Peru to South Korea in 30 days – thanks to our newly added first port call in Pusan.

That was key – a quick transit time of less than 30 days. A shorter journey ensures grapes maintain their quality and freshness without requiring special atmosphere-controlled environments. That’s a major advantage over longer routes, which often involve additional handling and preservation measures.

Given the success of Cherry Express, how did that experience influence the planning and execution of this new service?

Cherry Express gave us valuable insights into handling fresh fruit logistics under a short, intense timeframe. It showed us that with the right strategy, we could efficiently manage high-volume shipments even within a tight seasonal window. 

We took these lessons and applied them to Grape Express, streamlining everything from container pickup at the depot to final delivery and loading. Another key focus was coordination – ensuring that every step, from booking confirmation to port operations, ran smoothly for our customers. Our goal was to provide peace of mind, allowing exporters to ship their cargo with confidence, knowing that it would arrive fresh and on time.

How has the market responded so far?

The response has been incredible. It’s clear that the market was waiting for a solution like this. Customers appreciate the reliability and speed of the service, and we’re already planning ahead for the next seasonal opportunity. 

What has been especially important is the strong connection we have with our customers. By understanding their challenges firsthand, we were able to design a service that directly addresses their challenges. This close collaboration has been key – not only in launching Grape Express successfully, but also in ensuring that it continues to evolve based on what our customers need most.

Speaking of customers, what makes Chilean grapes so special in Pusan?

The Chilean grapes are among the largest and sweetest in the market – particularly the green variety. Typically, you don’t find the biggest grapes being the sweetest, but with Chilean grapes, the bigger the grape, the sweeter the taste. That’s a rare combination, and it gives our customers in Pusan a major advantage – offering high-quality fruit that stands out in the market.