Despite some easing of airfreight rates over the past year, shippers of SA perishable products who have traditionally used sea transport are sticking to that mode. Shipping firms contacted by FTW also report good volumes at the start of 2010 as they move SA fruits and meats northward. “No, I can’t say I’ve seen a shift away from sea freight (to air). There are only a few products that are normally sent by air – flowers and special assignments that are time-sensitive or have to get to a remote spot,” said Revan Vos, veteran trader for Freshgold SA out of Cape Town. Vos uses air for deliveries to some Indian Ocean islands served by his firm, and is presently shipping large volumes by sea to the Middle East. January was the peak month for plums and grapes, and the start of the pear export season.
