The cargo division of International Airlines Group, IAG Cargo, has reported a 21% year-on-year increase in the volume of perishable goods transported during the first half of 2025. The rise comes as demand for fresh produce continues to grow, with recent industry research highlighting a shift in European consumer behaviour*.

In particular, Peru is posting record export growth. In March alone, year on year asparagus exports surged by 105%, with Spain among the top destinations**. During off-season markets, air cargo becomes essential, a critical link in maintaining speed, quality and shelf freshness.

To meet this rising demand, IAG Cargo continues to invest in infrastructure that supports the efficient movement of fresh produce. The expansion of its perishables handling facility in Madrid in April 2024 has created a key hub for efficiently managing fresh produce and accelerating their journey to the consumer.

Rodrigo Casal, Regional Commercial Americas at IAG Cargo, said: “At IAG Cargo we understand the urgency and care fresh produce demands and work closely with our customer to meet their timeline needs.

“But these partnerships go beyond logistics. By keeping fresh goods moving, we’re also connecting producers with new markets, strengthening local economies, sustaining livelihoods, and creating opportunities across the supply chain.”

From asparagus in Peru to berries in Kenya, our customers – and end consumers alike - rely on air cargo to keep fresh produce moving to land on supermarket shelves and dinner tables across the world.

*https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-grocery-europe-report
**https://agraria.pe/noticias/esparrago-de-peru-llego-a-24-mercados-en-marzo-del-2025-39156

The impact of IAG Cargo’s operations on global economies and communities is demonstrated in the below video:
• Peru – Movement of asparagus – From Field to Fork

Carlos Aparcana, General Manager of Peak Quality, a leading exporter in the region, explained the significance of the partnership with IAG Cargo and the importance of the Lima-Madrid route: “With IAG Cargo we have a partner we trust. The Lima-Madrid route is essential for our supply chain, connecting us directly with our key markets in Europe. During our high season from September to December, we handle up to 30 tonnes of asparagus a day. Working with IAG Cargo gives us the reliability we need to meet global demand and tight deadlines.”

IAG Cargo plays a vital role in enabling trade flows between emerging markets and Europe. The business currently serves 33 destinations in Latin America, with 250 flights per week between Europe and the region, and offers capacity on 24 weekly services between the UK and West Africa.

In its H1 2025 financial results, IAG Cargo reported revenues of €629 million for H1 2025 - an increase of 11.1 per cent on the same period last year. Cargo volumes increased 4.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

ENDS

Notes to editors

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL, IAG Cargo now covers a global network covering six continents.

In 2024 IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,234 million. Its parent company, International Airlines Group, is one of the world's largest airline groups with 601 aircraft on 31st December 2024.

For further information on IAG Cargo, please visit the IAG Cargo YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/IAGCargo or alternatively, visit the IAG Cargo website: https://www.iagcargo.com

For media enquiries, please contact the IAG Cargo press office:

Nadia Bedra
Nadia.Bedra@iagcargo.com