Helping exporters to reduce costs in the cold chain

RAY SMUTS NO MATTER the enterprise, partners do not necessarily agree on all issues, but Tania Jennings and Freddie Beukmann are as one in their belief that Ocean Forwarding and Logistics has emerged as a player to be reckoned with in the fruit forwarding export market. Since its founding four years ago, OFL, formerly Ocean Fruit Logistics, is ‘making waves’ in the true sense of the word in this competitive market, say the two. Jennings, with nearly 40 years’ combined perishable management experience between herself and partner Beukmann, says OFL is well positioned to assist exporters to reduce extra costs in the cold-chain process, thereby effectively managing the entire process. Asserts Beukmann: “Much has been made of the need to exclude independent role-players from the cold chain, ostensibly to reduce costs, but the same advocates are in turn charging for services that are non-specialist. “We believe there is a place in the market for large integrated service providers (typical “one-stop-shops”), but our specialist experience can bring added value to the cold chain process and in so doing not only reduce costs through effective management but enhance services through specialist attention and expertise. Because of our experience we pay attention to detail and not only processes as so many large service providers do.” Alluding to the tough global market and the strain exporters are enduring due to a seemingly never-ending strong South African currency and fluctuating exchange rates, Beukmann maintains “Exporters need to take charge of management of the entire cold chain process to ensure costs are kept to a minimum.” Jennings explains part of the company’s strength lies in experience with such programmes as the exacting in-transit citrus sterilisation programme to Japan, as well as to other special markets. OFL also has a very specialist temperature and quality control service for the commercial markets, ensuring that their clients and their shipments are protected. Durban-based Ocean Forwarding and Logistics has historically focused its services on one major exporter, Katopè Citrus, and recently added a broader client base with the rebranding of OFL.