Added value insurance package on offer RAY SMUTS JAS FORWARDING has been as synonymous with fresh cut flowers as tulips from Amsterdam but that scenario is changing as the company’s perishables division gears up for an aggressive new marketing strategy centred around commodity diversification. In anticipation of expected growth, Jas Forwarding, with perishable branches on the airside at both OR Tambo International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport has relocated to Swissport’s warehouse at ORTIA, which offers strategic benefits, greater warehouse space and ample refrigeration. Neil Harris, Jas Forwarding’s newly-appointed divisional executive and national sales manager, believes diversification is key. “Agents still rely far too much on the perishable peak season, with no real ability to project what the season will hold. “Our seasons, produce yields, sea freight demand, air freight capacity and competition from other emerging and aggressive perishable markets are changing continuously and over-reliance on peak season is risky in terms of a sustainable business model in the perishable game,” says Harris. “Opting for an airport locality cuts down on handling and enables Jas Forwarding to maintain a stringent closed loop cold chain system,” says Harris. Thanks to this philosophy there are virtually no claims from shippers for breaches of cold chain handling, says Harris. In its quest to increase value added services for its customers, Jas Forwarding Perishables is now offering automatic insurance cover under the Jas Worldwide insurance blanket. “This is built into a reconstructed Jas Perishables rate package to qualifying customers,” says Harris. The division has also introduced a cash-acting rewards programme to qualifying customers based on market support," he added. ‘Re-Jas’ Rewards points are redeemable on almost anything from the cost of a company sales conference bill, flight tickets or even on the bill for a new office fridge, for example. Harris is bullish about the future. “The market has been phenomenal with enquiries and requests for quotes streaming in,” he said. The company has 156 branches in 76 countries.
