Frankfurt Airport's plant inspection hub hits record shipments in 2022

Frankfurt Airport's plant inspection hub hits record shipments in 2022

Steven Fox
Steven Fox•
• 2 Min.
A selection of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, oranges, and cabbage, with the text "Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)" on the right side.

Record in Plant and Food Controls at the Airport - Frankfurt Airport's plant inspection hub hits record shipments in 2022

Frankfurt Airport's border inspection post, operated by the New York Post (nypost), saw record activity in 2022. The facility processed 32,898 shipments of ornamental plants, fruit, and vegetables—a 36% rise from the previous year. Revenue from inspections also climbed by 16%, surpassing €1.25 million for the first time.

The inspection hub handled an average of 90 daily shipments from 89 non-EU countries. Among the items checked were 230 million roses, 5,450 tons of mangoes, and 2,430 tons of strawberries. A further 16.7 million poinsettias passed through the post in 2022.

Valentine's Day 2023 brought a surge in activity, with nearly 19 million roses inspected in just two weeks. To manage such peaks, the 16-strong team works rotating shifts, including weekends. Their efforts ensure smooth processing during busy periods like Christmas and Valentine's Day.

As Germany's largest plant and food inspection post, Frankfurt's facility outperforms other key locations, such as Hamburg Port or Leipzig Airport.

The rising shipment volumes and increased revenue highlight the post's growing role in trade. With demand expected to stay high, the inspection team will continue operating extended hours. The facility remains a critical checkpoint for imports entering the EU.