The rate at which reefer cargo – otherwise known as perishable cargo – is exported from South Africa to the Middle and Far East regions is rapidly increasing, and is slowly overtaking South Africa’s ‘traditional’ reefer trade lane to Europe. This activity has resulted in a noteworthy shift in trade lanes and is creating opportunity for local exporters exploring these emerging markets.
According to Dirk Hoffmann, MD of Safmarine – a member of the
Maersk Group – and one of the world’s leading ocean transporters of perishable
cargo, reefer exports to the Middle East have increased in volume by over 20%
year to date, with the Far East route experiencing a 10% increase. “These increases
can be attributed to a faster population growth and more disposable income in
the region.” He says that in particular, he has seen a significant increase in
the amount of citrus and apples being exported to these regions. “In terms of
citrus exports, we are at the peak of the citrus export season. Citrus exports
are a combined 50% of the total perishable export volume from South Africa.”
In the past, reefer cargo to the Middle and Far East has been
very low yielding. “Now that this type of export is growing, the dynamics of
the South Africa/Middle Far East trade lanes are evolving in terms of diversity
of cargo. It is interesting to note how the demand for this type of cargo has
changed over the recent past.” Exploring new trade routes are indeed a viable
opportunity for South African fruit exporters. “This new route can however
present challenges to exporters, including cultural differences and longer
transit times. When it comes to these challenges, it is important to understand
how the various complexities impact on doing business in the region.
“These challenges are among the largest hurdles in today’s
international marketplace, as different countries have different values and
ways of conducting business, and if the legal complexities, culture and
language of a country is not known, it could potentially jeopardise the
business.”
In order for South Africa’s fruit producers to meet the growing
demand for fruit in the East, exporters need to partner with reliable specialists
who make use of technologically advanced and temperature sensitive containers. “These
partners should also possess the necessary knowledge and experience to
facilitate the entire supply chain process.”
Maersk Group recently purchased 20 000 reefer containers for global
distribution which will facilitate exporters exploring this route, as it will help
to meet the growing demand for reefer shipments to the East and enable
suppliers to expand into new markets and capitalise on new opportunities.
“These
containers offer various advantages, including the provision of an unbroken
cold chain from producer to supermarket. Although the route from South Africa
to the East is further than from South Africa to Europe, and the fruit stays in
transit for a much longer period of time, the containers ensure that fruit
remains fresh on arrival,” concludes Hoffmann.
Original
article appeared in Export & Import South Africa’s September 2015 issue. Visit www.exportsa.co.za
