More than 63,000 bins of watermelons are expected to be moved by Primary Connect from the Northern Territory between Easter and Christmas.
Primary Connect’s go-to carrier partner for melon transportation ABC Transport will haul around 190 bins per trailer each of them destined for South Australia.
ABC Transport deploys around 40 prime movers consisting mainly of Mack trucks, Kenworths and some Western Stars.
After arriving at Adelaide, the majority of watermelons are moved by road to Primary Connect distribution centres nationally before being delivered to Woolworths Supermarkets and Metro stores.
It’s been another strong start to the growing season in the Northern Territory following the decision by farmers to abandon tonnes of fruit last year due to industry closures as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns.
Up to a third of the crop in the Northern Territory was left to rot with demand from juice bars, hotels and the food service industry brought to a standstill as farmers sought to maintain price and avoid crashing the market with an oversupply.
The Australian industry consists of around 300 growers.
“Every season, Primary Connect works with melon growers to understand their unique needs and supply chain movements,” the company said in a statement.
“This improves efficiencies and reduces their cost of doing business.”