Diversification is the name of the new African game and while Zambia will still be reliant on its copper for years to come, it is gradually starting to show its strength in other areas. Grape farming is one of these and seemingly on the increase in the landlocked southern African country which last year for the first time exported grapes to Europe. While cultivation has been ongoing for several years, product is starting to be moved, and Beyond Africa Logistics Consultants recently moved a consignment of the fruit from Lusaka to Cape Town. “We initially questioned it when asked to become involved in the transport of the cargo,” says the company’s Ruth Butcher. “We thought there had to be a mistake as surely grapes would rather be going from Cape Town to Lusaka.” But, she says, they were pleasantly surprised by what they found in Zambia. “Grape farming in Zambia is taking off and while it might be slow going they are developing a sure and steady market.” She said one of the biggest challenges they faced in transporting the fruit was ensuring that the process all happened as timeously and effectively as possibly. “We had to make sure that once packed onto pallets they were loaded as soon as possible and moved quickly. The trial load was extremely successful, taking only three days from Lusaka to Cape Town and the grapes were delivered without incident.” She said already the company had been contracted for more loads later this year. “The grapes are for export to elite supermarket stores in the UK and are moved via reefer trucks to Cape Town from where they are shipped to Europe.” INSERT & CAPTION Grape farming in Zambia is taking off and they are developing a sure and steady market. – Ruth Butcher
