From Paddock to Port: How Australian farmers help feed Carnival Cruise Line guests year-round
Before a fresh salad, roasted vegetable dish or crisp piece of lettuce ever reaches a plate on board a Carnival Corporation ship, it starts somewhere far from the ocean, in the fields, farms and regional communities that help keep cruise holidays running.
Every week, Australian farmers supply Carnival Cruise Line with nearly 100,000 kilograms (≈220,000 pounds) of fresh fruit and vegetables, enough to help serve 60,000 meals a day across its three Australia-based ships: Carnival Adventure, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter.
That adds up to the equivalent of five semi-trailer truckloads of fresh produce making the journey from farms around the country to Carnival ships in Sydney and Brisbane. And because Carnival sails year-round in Australia, that demand continues well beyond a single season, helping give growers and producers greater certainty to plan, invest and grow.
For Paul Temuskos, a grower from Werribee, Victoria, that consistency makes a real difference. Cruise ships account for about 40 percent of his family’s business, and Carnival ships serve his produce 12 months a year.
“Every year we grow around 800,000 heads of cauliflowers and the cruise ships take around half that. We’re a three-generation family run business that started off with my grandad, to dad, and now my brother and I,” Paul said. “It’s nice to know our products like broccoli, cauliflower and cos lettuce are on Carnival ships 12 months a year.”
Helping move all that produce from farm to ship is Australian-owned Select Fresh Providores, which has distribution centers in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide and Perth. The company keeps a steady flow of Australian fruit and vegetables moving from growers to Carnival’s galleys, making sure the “paddock to port” journey runs smoothly.
“Carnival is a significant year-round customer for us, which in turn supports growers across the country. That consistency allows farmers to plan, invest and grow with confidence,” said Steven Biviano, Select Fresh Group Director of Sales and Cruise Supply.
While cruise ships are often associated with ports, coastlines and holiday destinations, Carnival Corporation Country Manager Peter Little said their economic impact reaches much farther inland.
“People naturally think about cruise ships in ports and coastal towns, but their reach extends much further inland, to the farms and regional communities growing the produce our guests enjoy every day,” Peter said. “Every plate served on board starts with someone on shore, a farmer, a grower, a supplier, a truck driver, a providore. Cruising depends on that incredible supply chain, and we are grateful to the Australian farmers and businesses who help us feed our guests every day.”
