Weaker rand buoys volumes

The weakening of the
rand against the
US dollar has paid
dividends for local
perishable exporters with
many having grown their
businesses over the past 12
months.
That’s according to Bernd
Julicher, managing director
of specialist perishables
airfreight company Sky
Services.
“The market has been
pretty consistent in general,”
he told FTW. “But several
of our major customers
have seen growth, which is
encouraging for all.
“The weaker rand makes
our export products more
competitive globally, even
though costs have increased in
rand terms. These increased
costs are however offset
by the better rand returns
achieved due to the currency
depreciation.”
And while seafreight
continues to be the mode of
choice for most perishable
exporters – where cost
containment is a top priority
– shippers recognise the
benefits of airfreight in helping
to meet the expectations
of increasingly demanding
customers.
“The decision as to
which mode is preferable
at any specific time
depends on timing,
quality, packaging and
pricing requirements,”
said Julicher.
And after 15 years in
the perishable airfreight
business, he believes
the fundamentals for
success remain the
same – quality service
delivered by competent
and experienced management
and staff from market leading
facilities.
INSERT & CAPTION
Increased costs are
offset by the better
rand returns achieved
due to the currency
depreciation.
– Bernd Juliche