Buffalo set to grow perishable sector

Expanding its perishable market is high on the agenda of Buffalo Freight Systems, says managing director Margrit Wolff. So much so that the company has opened an office in Cape Town specifically to take advantage of opportunities in the sector. “Together with our partners in Israel, Mentfield, who are world leaders in this market sector, we are expanding this market hugely,” says Wolff. “We have traditionally done some perishable work, namely meat imports and exports, as well as some airfreight of fresh produce into Africa. This has expanded to become a driving force in our development.” According to Wolff the perishable market has by most accounts managed to escape the effects of the global economic meltdown, making it an ideal market to grow and expand. “There are many opportunities including huge cross-trade. And by increasing the value of the agricultural sector to the South African economy we can become the bread basket to the world.” Wolff says aspects such as on time delivery, good relationships with shippers and authorities as well as a thorough knowledge of the statutory requirements and paperwork for perishables, which remains an extremely regulated market sector, are key when working in the perishable market where lack of service providers and high freight rates continue to be a challenge.