Transnet’s plan to set up Cape Town terminals for the seasonal export of deciduous fruits throughout South Africa includes the addition more than 70 equipment pieces as well as an increase in than a dozen operators. The move aims at increasing the effectiveness of exports. This includes fruit like table grapes, peaches the nectarines, apricots, cherries and plums including pear and apple exports beginning in the month of January.

An alliance is being developed between Hortgro as well as the South African Table Grape Industry (Sati) as well as the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum to tackle the infrastructure and logistical issues in the port. The goal of the partnership is to improve conditions for export season recognizing that the vast majority of exports from deciduous fruits come via in the Port in Cape Town. However, despite the improvement however, the full benefit of these changes is likely to be realized over a medium to long-term time.

Industry experts recommend preparing exporters, producers, and logistical service providers to deal with possible challenges that could arise during the time of exports and evaluating alternative transport methods or routes that assure timely delivery to the market and to maintain the quality of fruit.

Growing companies face financial pressures because of factors such as increasing input costs along with load-shedding, ports challenges have been identified. The partnership between Transnet and the industry of fruit will help to ease these pressures by implementing a strategic plan and allocation of resources. The continuous relationship that exists between Transnet and the sector is characterized by clear objectives and a determination to move forward.

Source: Food for Mzansi