Brazilian agricultural export giant C.Vale, one of the country's largest tilapia producers, has begun shipping fresh product to the US market.

The first 820-kilogram consignment was transported by refrigerated truck along the more than 12-hour route from C.Vale's Palotina processing plant in Parana state to Sao Paulo, where it was then flown to Miami on Oct. 20.

Product arrived in the United States 48 hours after being processed.

"Shipments will be weekly from now on to ensure continuity of supply to consumers in the United States," the company said in a statement.