There’s been a growing consumer trend towards value-added products in foods such as fish, meat and poultry in the perishables food market in recent years, says Andre Schoonraad, managing director of Grenco Africa. “Scores of supermarkets now promote individually quick frozen products whereas only a few years ago these were only obtainable from selected outlets,” says Schoonraad. “This trend has been extended to include good growth in prepared meals. “Other trends we are seeing in the perishable industry at present are the re-cooling of fruit riding on the back of growth in export markets as well as greater demand for controlled atmosphere storage of fruit.” Grenco Africa, a Cape Town based company, has been in operation in South Africa since the sixties and specialises in the supply of refrigeration solutions for the petro-chemical and mining industries. Its transport division has been providing temperature controlled systems for a variety of mobile applications for truck and trailer bodies to the refrigerated transport industry for several years. According to Schoonraad challenges currently facing the perishable industry include low price expectations that need to be managed as well as reducing energy consumption and reducing the carbon footprint. A firm believer in one-on-one deals with clients, Schoonraad said that in recent years they had found communication was one of the most important aspects in successful business. “It is all about ensuring there is no miscommunication and accepting single point responsibility for the ultimate reliability and efficiency of the refrigeration plant. “Aspects such as spoilage and extended shelf life, hygienic standards and improved processes are a key focus in this market, guiding our everyday business ethos.” Schoonraad says despite the global economic downturn there is still much growth opportunity in the sector, especially in finding total solutions and moving into Africa where food production for export markets is starting to take off.
