Meat exports add healthy growth

WITH A 28.9% increase in IATA turnover in airfreight exports in 2003, and reaching a total of R121.6-million, Skyservices had an extremely healthy year. Indeed, in the extra R27.3-m it recorded, it had the fifth biggest cash increase amongst the Top 30 and, although it lost one spot to number four in the league, this was only because of the muscular re-entry of UTi at number three. It was another healthy year in terms of growth, according to MD Bernd Juelicher, following an equally pretty 15% increase in 2002. The majority of the growth for this perishable specialist, he told FTW, came from one major customer in meat exports. “We’re very happy,” said Juelicher, “because a strengthening rand has made it almost impossible for a lot of perishable exporters to export viably. “It’s very tough out there, and being only an export specialist like us makes it that bit more difficult.” This year, Juelicher hopes to be able to maintain Skyservices’ spot in the league, but – because the big benefit gained from the meat exporter last year won’t repeat itself - the company is now looking for organic growth. “We’re very satisfied with last year’s results,” he said, “given the export conditions we faced. “We’re now looking at being smarter and tougher, and adding value for our clients.”