Perishable shippers push up demand for data loggers

Several new applications now available THE MARKET for data loggers in the transport of perishables is on a growth path. Kelvin Price, MD of CW Price, says the market is expanding exponentially with all sorts of new applications. The monitoring of temperature and humidity variations of meat and fish or fruit and vegetables in transit, is an essential part of the perishable supply chain, according to Price. “Loggers operate on real time recording and can ensure maximum shelf life as well as provide transport under optimum conditions.” Failure to manage and control storage and transport conditions can prove expensive for grower-exporters if the client receives the perishable product in an unacceptable condition for resale. “One faces the risk of not being paid or having to negotiate a reduction in the selling price due to loss of shelf-life, or loss of credibility with the client. These might in turn result in insurance or legal expenses due to litigation,” he warns. If temperatures have been electronically documented, insurance companies settle claims promptly and there are fewer unfounded claims of goods arriving in an unsatisfactory condition, says Price. “They also demonstrate due diligence in cases where there is a claim of negligence brought against the company.” CW Price is currently selling loggers for the monitoring of citrus in transit. “We have loggers for every application,”` says Price, brandishing a clutch of bright yellow eggs that turn out to be plastic-covered egg-loggers designed for the egg-box.