SDV set to expand perishable volumes

On-the-ground service is key to
ensuring a client’s perishable cargo
passes through a foreign country’s
customs procedures without a hitch.
“When we ship perishables
into Tanzania the cargo has to
be inspected first by the Health
Ministry. They have the power to
delay or even destroy a shipment.
Getting the permits sorted out is
also very important. Our office
in Tanzania works with our client
there to obtain permits. Once
the permit is in hand, but not
before, the shipment goes out of
Johannesburg,” says Andre Dekker
of SDV Sael.
The firm ships SA perishables
to the Malawian and Tanzanian
stores of a major SA supermarket
chain. For Malawi, cargo is fresh
bread and milk. For Tanzania, it’s
dairy products like yoghurt, sweet
juice and butter. All perishables
are airfreighted out of OR Tambo
International.
“It is cost-efficient to airfreight.
We make use of the CVJ facilities
in Jet Park, about five kilometres
away from the airport. Their
refrigerated trucks take the cargo
from the cold room to the airline
– SAA to Tanzania, Air Malawi
to Malawi. We find the airport
operations for perishables are
efficient,” said Dekker, whose firm
also operates out of Jet Park.
2011 volumes were about
consistent with last year, and it’s
been a “no news is good news” year.
“We want to expand this year –
see if we can find other fresh fruit
and vegetable clients,” Dekker
said, now that his firm’s foreign
offices are proving adept at moving
such time-sensitive cargo through
sometimes Byzantine customs
procedures.