A Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) multi-disciplinary team visited the Idea Fruit packhouse recently as part of an initiative to improve fresh produce export performance.
The visit formed part of CTCT’s farm-to-port terminal value chain initiative, one of several programmes that have seen the terminal’s management collaborating with the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF).
CTCT said in a statement on Tuesday that the terminal’s management is focused on redesigning a handling service tailor-made for customer and industry needs, as part of its operational recovery process.
“The terminal team, made up of employees from the continuous improvement, operations and planning departments, engaged directly with FPEF members to better understand their operational timelines and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies,” CTCT said.
Transnet Port Terminals Western Cape managing executive, Oscar Borchards, said the initiative is in line with the port’s commitment to break down silos within the value chain and avoid glitches that impact operations.
“This also gives us an opportunity as leaders from both the terminal and the industry, to refine our processes and ensure our infrastructure supports the efficiency and competitiveness of South Africa’s fresh produce exports,” Borchards said.
The visit included a site walkabout that gave terminal representatives valuable insight into the business’s operations.
“Often, we just receive a container for loading onto the vessel. This visit fostered understanding as we were exposed to the fruit harvesting and the actual faming itself, through to the different stages in the supply chain which include packing houses and cold storage,” Borchards explained.
He added that the terminal’s partnership with FPEF will reshape the operational landscape for stakeholders and lay a foundation for sustainable growth and excellence in the years to come.
FPEF members represents 90% of the fruit export market share in the province.
