Increased volumes, international conference give hope to fruit industry
[{“type”:”text”,”content”:”Exports were greatly impacted by the war between Russia and Ukraine, with a decrease of 30% in exports to the Russian Federation. Fortunately, exports to the Middle East and south-east Asia increase by 17% and 2.3% respectively since 2020/2021. Regardless, SATI remains deeply concerned about the financial state of the industry after facing a multitude of challenges this season.nnYet, some positive occurrences also took place, like the Fruit Logistica Berlin, the first event staged since the Covid-19 restrictions started over two years ago. At the event, industry stakeholders from across the globe shared new insights. These include a global concern due to high inflation in Europe, delayed shipping, cold storage challenges experienced due to port congestion, and alternative solutions for the continued increase in shipping costs. nnExciting news and trends shared at the conference include: n* A move to more biological products and an increased need for alternative solutions, mostly due to climate change imposing new challengesn* A new focus on the development of small-scale farmers and their access to technologyn* This includes a project launched by a multinational player to reach 10 million small-scale farmers and provide them with access to an electronic platform that will share farming insights, crop science info, and guidelines on growing food for their consumptionn* A focus shift by the southern hemisphere association of fresh fruit exporters (SHAFFE) to include sustainability in the southern hemisphere, driving a global coalition to discuss the rising costs of logistics and formation and training of middle management in the industry.n* SHAFFE joined forces with a European university to create a brand-new masteru2019s program for the fresh produce industry; it is an industry-led online program with a scope that includes a global perspective. The degree will be globally accredited. SHAFFE will share more details shortly.nnSouth African producers will rejoice to discover that discussions also took place to address the length of time it takes to approve plant material in South Africa, and the need to engage the government on these timelines. In the future, alternative solutions relating to quarantine periods may also be investigated.nnInformal feedback from the industry was predominantly centred on logistics challenges, congestion at ports, high cost of shipping and delayed routes to market. Conventional vehicles and the role they are expected to play in the coming year were a key point of discussion, as it is expected that the use of conventional ships will be explored again in the future.nnIt appears that the industry is keen to rethink the traditional logistical chain regarding Cape Town and Durban ports and explore alternatives to mitigate the challenges currently being experienced. Urgent political will and intervention are required to ensure true progress related to these matters.nn[Click here to read SATIu2019s full newsletter.](https://mailchi.mp/46d26ed04eef/sati-trade-newsletter-11-february-6083243?e=UNIQID)”,”position”:0,”id”:”d09IEh5zXwIvYpBK”}]
