LAST WEEK'S TOP STORIES ON FTW ONLINE

‘Fake’ fruit helps improve effectiveness of reefer transport In a bid to improve the effectiveness of its reefer transport, Maersk Container Industry (MCI) has been using plastic balls to simulate fruit respiration. Oz company finds high quality iron ore in Mozambique A deposit containing large quantities of high quality iron ore has been discovered in the Chiuta district, in the central region of the Mozambican province of Tete, state newspaper Notícias reported. Large container vessels causing problems At the end of last year Maersk Line started receiving a series of 20 giant container ships of the Triple-E class, according to Aktiefokus. Free seminar on new rules for exporters The French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has scheduled country-wide presentations on new mandatory procedures for exports to Uganda. The seminar will also update delegates on the regulations for exporting to Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. Government speaks out on Fitch downgrade Following the downgrading of South Africa's long-term foreign currency credit rating by the Fitch Rating Agency (Fitch), government has moved swiftly to give assurances, saying it is consistently addressing concerns raised in the review. Luxury car group achieves highest sales ever in 2012 Recession notwithstanding, the BMW Group achieved its highest-ever sales result in 2012, with a total of 1 845 186 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered worldwide. This was an increase of 10.6% over the previous record year in 2011 (1 668 982). This year marks the beginning of a new era for the BMW Group as it plans the launch of the all-electric BMW i3 towards the end of the year.