Port Houston hosted nearly 35 industry professionals throughout the country during a Perishables Roundtable event at the port's Executive Building July 13.

The attendees discussed refrigerated cargo imports, Houston's reefer capacity, Customs and Border Protection and USDA requirements, infrastructure developments and logistics.

Participants included importers, exporters, buyers, retailers, brokers, cold storage warehouses, ocean carriers, truckers and the public agencies involved in the trade.

The goal of the event is to improve communication between all stakeholders of Port Houston's perishable community. Some the port's top perishable import commodities include bananas, pineapples and oranges.

Port Houston Trade Development Manager Ricardo Arias provided a market update. Houston’s four major refrigerated warehouses spoke about their strategically located facilities and services they offer. The Houston Food Bank provided a presentation on their perishable products program and community outreach efforts.

“The Roundtable was designed to create an interactive dialogue with the companies and authorities that work with us throughout the customs and shipping process to discuss opportunities and solutions,” said Arias.