Carbon footprint of southern hemisphere fruit exported to Europe: The case of Chilean apple to the UK

Abstract

The product carbon footprint (CF) has been raised as an environmental indicator to estimate the sum and removals of GHG emissions, expressed as CO2 equivalents (CO2e), based on a life cycle assessment. Mainly, the measurement of the CF of fruits has been focused on different separate stages with reduced integration of the entire supply chain because data come from different sources at the global fruit market. The main objective of this study is to estimate the CF of the entire supply chain of exported Chilean apple from agricultural production to the UK consumer’s door. The results indicate that the Chilean apple presents GHG emissions of 0.54 kg CO2e/kg apple. The ocean freight is a hot spot that determines the performance of the CF of exported apple with a contribution of 39.2%. Finally, the importance of carrying out these types of studies covering the entire supply chain is emphasized, to provide public and private agents with accurate information and help them make the right decisions. In this way, the misuse of concepts—such as food miles—by interest groups in society is prevented, thus avoiding distortion in the fresh fruit trade.