From the grove, across the globe - delivering the 'zest' export solution

Good sun is one of the keys to a productive orange grove

About Özler Tarim

Industry

SERVICES PROVIDED

Özler Tarim is a 3rd generation family company. Starting off as citrus growers back in the 1960s, by 1982 they expanded their operations to export their own production to retailers around the world. 

Today, with further vertical integration they produce citrus, apples, and cherries in an area over 1,000 hectare, grow their own trees in their nurseries, operate two citrus packing houses, utilize lower quality fruit by freezing them with individual quick freeze (a food freezing method that involves freezing individual pieces of food at very low temperatures), produce their own harvesting material, have cooling facilities in ports to ensure undisrupted cold chain, and generate 100% of their own energy using solar panels. 

Presently, Özler Tarim also sources from hundreds of other growers and exports to more than 35 countries worldwide, making them one of the most recognized names throughout Europe and Japan.

The Challenge

Exporting citrus to Japan under Cold Treatment procedures posed significant challenges for Özler Tarim.

The use of non-direct container lines required multiple container movements, making a seamless cold treatment procedure even more difficult. This added complexity to an already stringent protocol, emphasizing the logistical hurdles beyond the standard requirements. Recognizing the critical role that Cold Treatment procedures play in ensuring successful exports to Japan, Özler Tarim selected PSA BDP for their expertise in this area.

Ripe red cherries displayed in a classic wooden basket, fresh fruit market showcase

The Solution

After initial discussions on the customer's challenges, the PSA BDP team designed a solution to align with Özler Tarim's specific needs. The first shipment required 3 reefer vessel shipments from Mersin, Türkiye, to Yokohama & Osaka ports in Japan. PSA BDP’s team of experts oversaw the vessel operations and meticulously managed the Cold Treatment procedure, ensuring compliance with both Turkish and Japanese regulations. The team's involvement spanned from pre-cooling fruits to monitoring vessel specifications, and ensuring timely transit cooling instructions.

PSA BDP's solution significantly enhanced Özler Tarim's business processes by calibrating vessels, inserting fruit sensors, and supervising every step of the Cold Treatment procedure, guaranteeing full adherence to standards and regulations.

PSA BDP also proved to be a trusted partner during the Red Sea crisis providing constant market updates and offering support for alternative solutions allowing Özler Tarim to navigate the disruptions to continue delivering fresh produce to Japan.

The Result

The partnership with PSA BDP yielded tangible benefits for Özler Tarim. Vessel operation times were shortened, eliminating potential idle waiting time, and saving crucial hours during the Cold Treatment process. As an alternative to the Red Sea crisis, PSA BDP managed to ship reefer vessels within 23 days, ensuring fresher produce for Japanese clients.

Working with PSA BDP provided Özler Tarim with a seamless cargo operation experience. From managing phytosanitary documents to overseeing loading tallies, PSA BDP's attention to detail instilled confidence in Özler Tarim's export operations.

According to Özbek ÖZLER, their experience with PSA BDP can be summed up as one of comfort, reliability, and trust. “We trust that PSA BDP is working hard for us, even in the background when we don’t notice, and this gives us comfort that our business will be successful with their support.”