‘Peaks and valleys are part of the deal’

In a bold statement, divisional CEO Mike Froy was adamant that SA forwarding major, Grindrod PCA, remained committed to the perishable market “notwithstanding that times are tough”. “We started out as Perishable Cargo Agents (PCA) in 1957 and have seen many peaks and valleys in the perishable industry over this lengthy period of time,” he told FTW. “The tie-up in 2004 with the Grindrod group has only made us stronger and even better equipped to weather the current storm.” He attributed the company’s success at what it does to being able to offer exporters and importers a complete freight forwarding and logistics management solution. A longstanding relationship and mutual trust in shared expertise with all the airlines operating to and from SA and strategically positioned, airport-based office/warehouses in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, George, and Cape Town, are just two of Grindrod PCA’s strengths. The company also lists membership of all the applicable air cargo bodies – Iata; the Animal Air Transport Association (AATA); and the Southern African Express Parcel Association (Saepa). It has also been audited to obtain “regulated agent” status with the SA Civil Aviation Association in line with the new, globally adopted Part 108 security legislation for the air cargo industry. “Our focus is perishable cargo – as the name suggests,” added Froy. “The main products we export are fresh fish – hake to Spain, fresh tuna to Europe. US-grown fresh flowers to Europe; fresh SA fruit to Europe and Russia as well as exotic fish like lobster and abalone to the Far East and Europe. “Each product involves inventing and creating a handling, packing and logistical solution best suited to that product to ensure superb quality and critical cool chain management. “The stimulation and enthusiasm of our job is the challenge each new product and international destination presents. Nice marketing is what it is all about!”