DHL Global Forwarding announced that it is opening its newest facility in Brisbane to meet the surging demand for Australian perishable goods export, with an investment of AU$17 million (US$11.5 million) over ten years.

In a statement, DHL noted that Queensland's total agricultural and food exports hit AU$10.72 billion (US$7.26 million) in 2022, or a steep 25.5% rise compared to the previous year.

To cater to this growing demand, the newly launched 4,880sqm facility — located at Brisbane airport with airside access — houses the largest international cold chain services in Brisbane at 1,700sqm, offering complete cold chain services for goods such as high-quality meat, fresh produce and seafood. 

DHL said it is also the first and only freight forwarder to have such access and is close to the Port of Brisbane.

Surge in perishables export

"We built the new Brisbane facility to meet the fast-growing demand for perishables," said George Lawson, managing director of DHL Global Forwarding Australia.

Lawson noted that the agricultural and fisheries sector is a key foundation of Queensland's economy, and it has remained robust despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

The managing director of DHL Global Forwarding Australia added that Queensland's total agricultural and food export had seen a 16% increase from the average of the past five years and is set to continue rising in the foreseeable future.

"Expanding our facilities will help cater to this rising demand and help our customers transport these time and temperature-sensitive perishable goods quickly and efficiently. The new facility will also support general cargo growth in Queensland," Lawson further said.

Lachlan Elliott, station manager–Queensland, DHL Global Forwarding Australia, said Queensland's agricultural produce is renowned for being high quality, making it very popular among global consumers.

In fact, Elliott said Queensland exports more than half of its agricultural output.

"The right supply chain solutions are critical to ensuring that these perishables can reach consumers in pristine condition. Our new facility in Brisbane will do exactly that, especially in our environmentally sustainable offerings, to help customers achieve a greener supply chain," he added.

Sustainable facility

DHL said the new facility is aligned with the principles of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) 5-star Greenstar: a combination of green practices will allow the facility to reduce yearly carbon emissions by 458 tonnes, equivalent to taking almost 100 passenger vehicles off the roads for a year.

The facility would feature solar panels, which allow for a 35% annual energy offset and batteries to store excess solar energy for night operations. The facility also utilizes energy-efficient lighting with motion sensors, rainwater harvesting and EV charging points, among others.