DHL Integrated Perishables Into Global Logistics Strategy
The company has centralized its cold chain operations to expand end-to-end management for time-sensitive food goods.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Organic Food
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DHL Global Forwarding has transitioned its perishables division into a unified global strategy, moving away from decentralized country-based management. This shift aims to enhance cold chain reliability for fresh food imports and exports as the air freight market sees an autumn recovery.
Why it matters
By integrating these operations, the company aims to reduce reliance on third-party airline handling and provide more predictable end-to-end cold chain solutions. This change arrives as air freight markets show signs of stabilizing despite lingering high fuel costs and capacity constraints.
DHL Global Forwarding has consolidated its perishables operations into a global pillar, utilizing a 1,300 m² temperature-controlled department within its 24,000 m² Schiphol warehouse. The operational capacity of this facility is still being measured against ongoing high fuel surcharges.
The players
DHL Global Forwarding
A division of the global logistics firm that manages international air and ocean freight, including specialized cold chain handling for food and medical supplies.
Sico van der Horst
The Business Development Manager for the Perishables department who oversees the company's strategies for temperature-sensitive shipping logistics.
The details
The facility at Schiphol features 38 docks and dedicated temperature-controlled areas managed with 24/7 monitoring to maintain cold chain integrity. By centralizing management, the division can control the handling of sensitive goods in-house rather than relying on disparate regional procedures. This strategy is designed to provide consistency for high-value organic and perishable items, which have experienced significant growth in recent years.
Timeline
October 2024 marked the opening of the Schiphol headquarters.
Sico van der Horst began his role as Business Development Manager in January 2025.
Air freight activity experienced a notable upturn in September 2026.
Increased volume activity is projected to continue through Q4 2026.
Health Landscape
The transition reflects a broader logistics industry response to the volatility of the global air freight market. This shift follows the post-2024 recovery trend in global air freight capacity, aiming to provide stability for sensitive goods amidst persistent fuel surcharges.
For consumers, this logistical consolidation may influence the availability and freshness of imported perishable goods in local markets. Any concerns regarding the quality or source of imported items should be discussed with your grocery retailer or food safety representative.
The takeaway
Centralized cold chain management aims to provide more consistent handling for fresh foods as the global logistics landscape stabilizes. Keep an eye on regional supply reports if you prioritize the quality and source of fresh, perishable food items in your diet.
What happens next
DHL expects the recent upturn in air freight activity to continue through the final quarter of 2026.
Further reading
For more on the supply chain standards for fresh produce, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Horti Daily.
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