A record number of entries was received this year for the annual Eastern Cape Exporter of the year awards, according to Quntin Levey, the chairperson of the Exporters’ Club of South Africa – Eastern Cape. Overall winner was the Volkswagen Group South Africa. Volkswagen also won the corporate category for direct and indirect exporters with export turnover greater than R100 million. Merit awards were presented to SJM Flex SA for creating jobs over the year, BASF South Africa – catalysts division for its increase in turnover and profitability over the year, Ford Motor Company for its significant investment during the year in its Port Elizabeth engine plant and Shatterprufe, a division of PG Group, for its significant water and electricity savings project. Morgan Cargo was tops in the category: best provider of services to exporters. This category is for service providers to the export industry, including forwarding and clearing agents, shipping lines and agents, other forms of transport including courier, insurance agents, underwriters and financial services providers. A merit award was presented to Jas Forwarding Worldwide for entrepreneurial flair displayed during the year. Howden Donkin was adjudged best exporter – small business in the category for direct and indirect exporters with export turnover up to R25 million. Valor Fruit Processors is the best exporter – medium enterprise in the category for direct and indirect exporters with export turnover between R25 and R100 million.
