Abalone and crayfish are MMA’s speciality

RAY SMUTS LIVE SOUTH African abalone (perlemoen) and crayfish are greatly prized in smart eateries around the world, hence the special precautions taken by MMA Consolidators (Cape) to safeguard this valuable export prior to leaving these shores. MMA’s Cape Town operation started up in January this year, offering wholesale general cargo airfreight rates to the freight forwarding industry as well as perishable cargo rates and services. The branch, located in Airport Industria three kilometres from Cape Town International Airport, allows speedy access to airline handling areas, comprises 480m2 of cold rooms of which 100 m2 can be converted to freezer rooms with a temperature of -20C. Due to the pricey nature of much of MMA’s cargo, CCTV cameras and dedicated security guards monitor the warehouse on a 24 hours, seven days-a week basis. Facilities for palletised cargo are also available. MMA’s perishable division specialises in airfreighting live crayfish and abalone, mainly to the Far East and European markets, but also handles frozen crayfish and abalone utilising Envirotainers to maintain temperature. Other specialised export products include fresh flowers, cherry tomatoes and stone fruits to the UK and Europe, overseen by MMA Consolidators’ perishable division manager Bobby Louw, an airfreight veteran with 21 years experience. As with all export products, the strength of the rand has impacted on the viability of South African perishable exports to overseas markets. Were MMA Consolidators to make a special ‘wish’ for the Festive Season and beyond - like every other exporter, no doubt - it would be for a weaker rand. The consensus seems to be that R8/US dollar would do rather nicely.