New cold store could double export volumes

ED RICHARDSON A NEW cold storage facility will be constructed in Hermitage in the Sundays River Valley to help fruit producers increase their supply volume. The cooling shed is expected to grow exports as the industry is presently transporting less than its capacity due to unavailable storage space, transport and other costs. While the Eastern Cape has the ability to supply over 150 000 fruit exports, only 60 000 are actually made available because of the limited cold storage space. “The cold stores in the port, mainly the FPT (5960 pallets spaces) and PECS (3900 pallet spaces), are currently fully utilised during the citrus season,” says a report conducted by Fresh Produce Terminals (FPT). The R43 million cold storage facility will accommodate the growth volumes and prevent further losses. FPT and Maersk together hold 63% in the Addo Cold Store. The remainder will be BEE owned, and facilitated by the Sundays River Municipality. “The site is next to the Sundays River Citrus Company pack house in Hermitage with direct access to the railway line and the main road,” says Nikki van Niekerk, customer relations officer of the FPT group.