Giselle coordinates the export of tea and yerba from Misiones to various markets such as Russia, the United States, and Malaysia, where each shipment depends on precise timelines. “If the certificate is issued after the plane has left, it is no longer valid,” she points out, highlighting the constant pressure between timing, certifications, and freight costs.
From Argentina, most black tea is exported from Misiones, the province with the highest production. The quality of the tea varies depending on the destination: a higher quality is sent to Russia, while a more affordable tea is dispatched to Malaysia, aimed at providing volume rather than flavor.
The logistics circuit for an export begins with the pick-up of the empty container in Buenos Aires, which is then transported to the plant in Misiones for loading. Depending on the factory, customs procedures take place either at the plant or in Santo Tomé, Corrientes, before the container returns to Buenos Aires to be shipped. Afterward, a detailed follow-up on the shipment is conducted until the final destination.
Transporting tea requires specific care to maintain its quality, with humidity being the most critical factor. It is vital that the tea is packaged immediately after the drying phase, as exposure to air can cause it to regain moisture. If the moisture level upon arrival exceeds the allowed limit, the customer may reject the product.
The specifications regarding the type of bag, size, and weight are defined by the buyer, and the feasibility of these measures is evaluated in relation to the container’s load. The cost of each bag is also considered, given that tea has tight profit margins.
International certifications directly impact logistics, although they are not managed from this area. Recently, a factory was disqualified for a specific certification, preventing coordination of shipments from that source until the issue was resolved. In the case of organic yerba, which is exported by air, the time margin is even more limited, as the traceability certification must be completed before the flight.
Meeting market standards is complicated; markets like India are hard to match in both quality and competitive prices. For this reason, the strategy focuses on markets such as the United States and Russia, which demand high standards and where not all suppliers are willing to commit to working.
In summary, there is extensive preliminary work that is not visible to end buyers, which includes laboratory testing and subsequent approval before proceeding with loading. Currently, uncertainty in freight costs complicates predictability, as the market is volatile and price adjustments are frequent.
Source: www.infobae.com
