When transporting fresh broccoli to Spain, a common method is to place a scoop of ice over the boxes to keep the product fresh. But this traditional approach often leads to a mess: water leakage under the pallets and questionable hygiene at delivery. A more efficient and cleaner solution? Ice packs.
When transporting fresh broccoli to Spain, a common method is to place a scoop of ice over the boxes to keep the product fresh. But this traditional approach often leads to a mess: water leakage under the pallets and questionable hygiene at delivery. A more efficient and cleaner solution? Ice packs.
Unlike loose ice, ice packs for fruit and vegetable transport offer controlled cooling without the mess. They help maintain a stable temperature throughout the supply chain—from cross-docking to final delivery—without causing water damage or hygiene issues.
With ice packs, it’s also easier to tailor the cooling level to the specific needs of the product, whether it’s broccoli, berries, or fresh herbs.
Inter Fresh Concepts, based in Noordwijkerhout, specializes in smart packaging and cooling solutions for chilled transport. With roots in the fruit and vegetable sector, the company understands the unique needs of exporters and retailers.
“Especially in the fresh produce sector, we know what matters,” says Leon Hoogervorst, director at Inter Fresh Concepts. “That’s why we can offer practical, fast solutions tailored to each customer.”
Inter Fresh Concepts' ice packs are frequently used in situations where maintaining the cold chain is critical. During cross-docking or at airport terminals, where products may be waiting for hours, ice packs ensure continuous cooling.
These gel-based cooling elements use thickened ice for longer cooling performance—up to 24+ hours, twice as long as standard elements.
For air freight, the company also offers insulating pallet covers to protect temperature-sensitive goods from fluctuations.
In recent months, Inter Fresh Concepts has seen a surge in demand for cooling elements from food retailers. Due to the rise of online grocery orders, supermarkets are delivering more often with non-refrigerated vans.
“With our reusable ice packs, products stay cool long enough for doorstep delivery,” says Hoogervorst. “During the heatwave last week, demand spiked—retailers want that extra assurance, also for compliance with NVWA inspections.”
Sustainability is a key priority for Inter Fresh Concepts. The company recently introduced the EcoCoolBox, a 100% cardboard insulated box with similar thermal performance to EPS.
Also available is the Ice Pack Eco—a recyclable, gel-based solution designed for environmentally conscious logistics.
While temperature control is already well-known in the pharmaceutical sector, Inter Fresh Concepts sees potential in the AGF (fruit and vegetable) market too. Certain gel packs in their range can maintain a stable temperature of around 15°C—ideal for sensitive products that don’t require freezing.
This is made possible by adjusting the gel’s melting point, offering customized cooling for a variety of applications.
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