Market growth prompts West Africa service expansion

As fruit volumes from
South Africa continue to
grow, citrus remains one
of the biggest challenges
facing the country’s
exporters.
According to Craig
McCarthy, South African
cluster reefer manager for
Safmarine, citrus black spot
(CBS) is still very much on
the agenda and it remains
crucial to limit the risk and
protect the industry.
“Already we have seen
strikes in the UK while
exports to Spain have been
suspended,” he said. “And
although export volumes
have been good it’s been
another slow start for citrus
exports although the season
is now in full swing.”
He said perishable
volumes were definitely
on the up, especially to
emerging markets due to
shifting consumer patterns.
“Year-on-year market
growth has increased for
perishables on the Europe
(Russia), Far East and
Middle East trades. Cold
treatment containers to the
US have also increased over
the past month.”
Intra-
African
trade
remains
the poorest
performer
but offers
major
opportunity,
he said.
Thanks to
growth in
West Africa,
the line has
increased
capacity and
now makes weekly direct
calls at TinCan Island and
Apapa.
In light of growing
volumes McCarthy said
Safmarine was focusing
strongly on reefers and
becoming more specialised,
investing heavily in reefer
equipment, facilities and
staff.
There have been several
new appointments in recent
months,
strengthening
the core team
working with
perishables,
while at
least 1000
new reefers
have been
delivered.
In line with
the potential
the company
has identified
in Africa
it recently
increased yard capacity
in Matadi in the DRC to
accommodate more reefers
even though it is still a
relatively small market.
INSERT & CAPTION
Yard capacity in
Matadi in the DRC has
been expanded to
accommodate more
reefers.
– Craig McCarthy