Investigating temperature fluctuations in the wine and liquor maritime supply chain from South Africa to the United Kingdom: A case study

• Large temperature fluctuations inside containers mirror day and night cycles. • The most significant temperature fluctuations occur in the origin port. • The thermal container liner significantly dampened these temperature fluctuations. • Blind tastings showed products were adversely affected by the temperature variations. • Container liners should be used for wine and liquor exports in maritime supply chains. This study explored temperature fluctuations in dry shipping containers transporting wine and liquor along maritime supply chains. It also examined how these variations affect product quality, and evaluated the effectiveness of thermal foil container liners in mitigating temperature changes. Temperature trials were conducted from the South African loading depot and concluded at the first distribution centre in the United Kingdom. Ambient temperature sensors were placed on cartons of wine and liquor inside the thermal container liner and between the thermal liner and the door of the container. Weather data was also collected during the trials. Temperature profiles showed large fluctuations in temperature inside containers because of day and night cycles while the containers were stacked at the departure and destination ports, posing challenges for supply chain management. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the temperature profiles, whereas logit analysis was used to determine the impact of the thermal container liner on the temperatures to which the wine and liquor were exposed. Blind tastings were used to evaluate product quality after exposure to temperature fluctuations. Results showed that thermal liners significantly reduced temperature variability, which is critical for maintaining wine and liquor quality. Despite this, blind tastings confirmed that some products were negatively affected by temperature deviations. The study recommends the use of thermal foil liners for maritime transport of wine and liquor to minimise product damage and financial losses. This finding is particularly relevant for exporters aiming to preserve the quality of their wine and liquor throughout long-distance shipping routes.