By Eamonn Ryan
The GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference held in Cape Town featured an engaging panel discussion focused on citrus export and cold chain logistics. The panel consisted of four prior speakers who fielded questions from an interactive audience, providing insights based on their practical experience in export regulation, logistics and financing of cold chain infrastructure. This is the Q&A of a previously published panel discussion and is part one of a four-part series.
Panel members included:
- Vijan Chetty, general manager, coastal division, PPECB
- Gavin Kelly, CEO, Road Freight Association (RFA)
- Brian Tahinduka, senior manager, natural resources logistics, Standard Bank Group
- Renier du Preez, CEO, Digistics and at the time vice chair, GCCA Africa
The discussion began with a question regarding citrus export practices, particularly referencing a Chinese study suggesting that low oxygen storage could negatively affect citrus quality. Chetty explained that South Africa follows strict ventilation protocols, including a mandated 15% ventilation rate to regulate CO2 levels. While nitrogen generators to reduce oxygen levels in storage are a concept under exploration in some markets, they have not been widely adopted locally. Chetty highlighted that current practices rely on careful monitoring of storage facilities and adherence to approved operational standards to ensure optimal fruit quality.
An audience member from Ghana then raised the broader challenge faced by African farmers: rejected pallets during export often result in financial losses despite internal quality control measures. Chetty acknowledged the issue, pointing out that PPECB has over a century of experience in quality control, regulatory compliance and cold chain management. He noted that replicating this framework across Africa is complex, as it requires extensive training, harmonisation of practices, and investment in infrastructure. Nevertheless, he encouraged African stakeholders to engage with PPECB, which offers guidance and collaboration to help establish similar quality control frameworks in other countries.
Chetty also underscored the advantages South African produce holds in the European market. Because PPECB maintains rigorous adherence to food safety, quality and cold chain standards, European authorities trust the integrity of South African consignments, leading to reduced inspection requirements. “If you become accredited with EU authorities, it reduces the percentage of consignments inspected in Europe,” he said, reinforcing the competitive edge of compliant exporters. This trust streamlines the export process, reduces costs and ensures faster delivery times, benefitting producers and traders alike.
The panel then shifted the discussion toward sustainability, with Tahinduka from Standard Bank explaining the bank’s financing initiatives for alternative energy in the cold chain sector. He described how Standard Bank works with clients to model potential cost savings from renewable energy systems and partners with suppliers for installation, sizing and maintenance. Financing packages can extend up to ten years, allowing companies to implement sustainable practices without immediate financial strain. This integrated approach highlights the growing importance of sustainability within the citrus export sector and the role financial institutions play in supporting innovation.