snapfresh has been exporting to the Asia Pacific region since late 2023. As we look ahead to our one-year anniversary of exporting across this market, a significant milestone in our journey, we thought we’d share some of our learnings.

Since gaining export status, we have navigated the complexities of expanding our readymade meals across the region. We overcame logistical hurdles and ensured our products meet stringent international standards.

Logistical challenges and solutions

Our journey began with a series of logistical challenges, from sourcing export-grade raw materials and ingredients to maintaining the quality of our meals under precise preparation guidelines.

One of the primary hurdles was ensuring that our meals were created, stored and transported in compliance with export-grade standards, while also keeping frozen items at the correct temperature. To address these issues, we implemented rigorous processes for separate creation and storage of export-grade meals, ensuring strict temperature control throughout transportation.

Another challenge was the extensive export documentation requirements and the need to comply with varying regulations for different countries. To tackle these, we test consignment deliveries with sample items to refine our logistics process, maintain meticulous documentation and identify potential errors and roadblocks to improve future operations.

Regulatory compliance and market entry

Navigating the regulatory landscape was crucial for our successful market entry. We needed to adhere to the specific types of meals that can be exported from Australia, and ensure compliance with the import restrictions and documentation requirements of each destination country. We consulted closely with both Australian and foreign government authorities, and adhered to the mandates set by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Qld).

Partnerships and growth

While we haven’t established overseas partnerships, we have leveraged onshore collaborations with export specialists and freight forwarders. These local partnerships have been instrumental in understanding export requirements and enhancing our logistical operations. Their expertise has supported our market entry and facilitated smoother growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Successes

Although our expansion is still in its early stages, we have already achieved notable successes. We’ve successfully sold and exported meals to major offshore operators and are working with several airlines, exporting meals to their bases in the Asia Pacific region.

Feedback from our international customers has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the quality, consistency and logistical expertise of our products.

Adapting to feedback

Customer feedback has also helped us refine our operations based on specific timings, logistical needs and dietary preferences. This process has allowed us to continuously improve our services and meet the evolving demands of our international customers.

Looking ahead

Our expansion into the Asia Pacific region is an exciting chapter for all of us at snapfresh. It’s been filled with both challenges and opportunities. As we move forward, staying updated on ever-changing regulations and customer requirements remains a priority for us.

To learn more about our products, visit our product page.