Cementing the Italian connection

“Old fashioned values have come back into play in the modern-day business environment,” said Vladi Benedetti, president of General Export, who recently visited South Africa to meet with clients and partner, groupage specialist International Liner Agency. “We have been partners with ILA for 18 years and it is a relationship that continues to grow from strength to strength. South Africa is a very important market for us and we remain committed to this trade lane’s growth and development,” he told FTW. “We are not about aggressive business practices, but rather about stability and experience that bring about reliability in the market.” According to ILA national sales and marketing director Raymond Cutts, the two companies have very close synergies and much effort goes into ensuring that it adds value to clients. “It The Italian connection ... Raymond Cutts, Vladi Benedetti and Brenno Benedetti. often feels as if we are one company because our ties are so close and our vision is so similar.” “Consistency has paid off for us,” says Benedetti. “This has come through experience built up with our partners and has created stability in the market place.” It is these qualities that are being passed on to the next generation who have already been tasked to step up to the plate. Brenno Benedetti has been appointed to head up the South African business for General Export, taking over from Chiara Paoli. He will be visiting South Africa regularly to keep up to date and remain close to the market. “We have many plans in place to grow our services in South Africa as this is a market of extreme importance to Europe,” he said.