Major grape exporter plans logistics of 20 million cartons

EXPORTING FRUIT is not all plain sailing, and planning well ahead is paramount, says Gawie Nieuwoudt, chairman of the Orange River Producer's Alliance (ORPA), South Africa's second largest producer/exporter of grapes. To this end, ORPA is examining logistical capacity in a joint venture with the University of Stellenbosch, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Africa Logistics to make provision for the day five years down the line when it will be packing 20 million cartons. Nieuwoudt explains that creating larger capacity to cater for new markets involves not only new plantings, packing stores and cooling rooms, but more farm accommodation for the workforce, more schools, churches, and soccer fields. Currently exporting around 30% of South Africa's grapes (most of them seedless) ORPA was formed as a Section 21 company 18 months ago which implies it may not show a profit.