Encouraging growth in general cargo

A TURNOVER of R23.7-million saw Clover Cargo International moving into 25th spot on the 2003 IATA Top 30. It was pleased with its export performance, especially as the strong rand continued to dampen some exports, according to CE Vincent Magnus. “We posted a pleasing 8% growth year-on-year,” he said. In Gauteng, the growth in general cargo was encouraging. “We were faced with a variety of export commodities, which allowed us to demonstrate our flexibility,” said Juppi Boost, Gauteng airfreight export manager. “These also compensated for a reduction in airfreight perishables – a result of many exporters sending larger orders by sea to benefit from economies of scale.” Boost feels that experience shows that small shipments are often trial exports – which can result in larger orders following. “Computers and accessories, for example, continued to be a significant growth sector. And this increase in business meant that products were brought into SA for finishing and re-export.” In the Cape, the Clover Cargo cool rooms proved invaluable as links in a cool chain exporters can rely on, according to Sharon Holmes, airfreight export manager for Cape Town. “The quality of SA fish continued to satisfy European appetites,” she reported. “Shipments of fish, meat and other perishable products have been substantial.” The textile business continued to be a mainstay, Holmes added, along with automotive components and spare parts.