Asia demand for California air freighted food grows on outbound capacity

AN emerging middle class in China and growing affluence elsewhere in the Far East has created a strong market for California's "wholesome and safe" agricultural produce, says Boston-based Logistics Management magazine.

But for crops like cherries, strawberries, asparagus and organically-produced perishables, the ability to ship to distant markets by air is immensely important, said a recent report on market growth.

"The demand is certainly there," says Jim Stone, vice president, business development for Priority Solutions in Inglewood, California. "But the air cargo industry is up against fuel increases that may dampen the desire for our goods."

Mr Stone, also president of the Los Angeles Air Cargo Association, said there is plenty of capacity on the outbound, completely overbalanced by imports - just like sea freight.