The support provided by the independent Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) gives South African growers a competitive advantage in the world market, according to logistics consultant Andy Connell. Speaking about new and existing markets for South African produce, he told Freight News that “there is no doubt that they want our fruit, because of the product quality and the controls that South Africa has in place through the PPECB”.SA is the only supply country with a body such as the PPECB, he says.“The PPECB makes sure that every container that leaves SA is both product worthy and cargo worthy and that the cold chain is strictly controlled.”They ensure that containers are not contaminated by previous loads, which can leave pears tasting like onions after spending time in a container previously used for onions, he explains. Shipping lines are playing their part by thoroughly cleaning the containers and conducting pre-trip inspections before delivering them.This gives SA exporters the “right business credibility with customers, who know that we have the checks and balances in place to ensure that they get what they want”. Connell says South African exporters are actively exploring markets to the east, such as India, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia.Access to these markets is being opened through diplomatic channels by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Department of Trade Industry and Competition, together with the Department of Agriculture and the fruit industry bodies.He cautions about geopolitical challenges with Russia because “quite a few European countries are saying to SA exporters that we are not happy with your exporting to Russia”
