BerriesZA anticipates industry growth amid global challenges
SOUTH AFRICA – The berry industry in South Africa is poised for growth despite facing significant global and domestic challenges.
At the recent symposium held in Paarl, Western Cape, Berries South Africa (BerriesZA) expressed a positive outlook for the industry.
CEO Brent Walsh highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and the need for improvements in logistics to maintain the high standards of South African berry exports.
“Public-private partnerships are crucial for addressing logistical challenges,” said Walsh. “We need to get our highly perishable products to their destinations quickly. We’ve seen some improvements, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Walsh acknowledged the ongoing issues with pests and diseases, emphasizing the need for effective risk management and access to approved sprays.
Despite these hurdles, he remains confident in the quality of South African berries, which are well-received in international markets.
“We are recognized as a high-quality berry-producing nation,” Walsh stated. “Our exports are in demand, and we expect this trend to continue. This year, we forecast around 25,000 tons of exports, contingent on market conditions.”
One of the major topics at the symposium was logistics. The need to move berries quickly to sea freight is a critical issue, given the perishable nature of the product.
Walsh explained that ensuring timely sea freight is the biggest challenge, as it is crucial to maintain the quality of the berries.
Walsh discussed expectations from the new government, particularly concerning logistics. He emphasized the progress made in recent months and the need for continued collaboration with relevant authorities.
“We hope the new government will support the progress we’ve made in logistics,” Walsh said. “We will continue to work with the relevant authorities to showcase the importance of efficient logistics for the industry’s success and the broader economy.”
The symposium served as an essential platform for growers and industry stakeholders to share information and strategies.
Walsh stressed the importance of such gatherings for the industry’s health and growth. He noted that the event allows members to engage and share vital industry information, which is crucial for keeping the industry healthy and ensuring continued growth.
Walsh’s message to the industry was clear: unity and collaboration are key to overcoming challenges and achieving growth. He reassured growers and industry players that they are not alone in facing these challenges. Berries South Africa is there to support growers and facilitate the export process.
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BerriesZA anticipates industry growth amid global challenges
SOUTH AFRICA – The berry industry in South Africa is poised for growth despite facing significant global and domestic challenges.
At the recent symposium held in Paarl, Western Cape, Berries South Africa (BerriesZA) expressed a positive outlook for the industry.
CEO Brent Walsh highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and the need for improvements in logistics to maintain the high standards of South African berry exports.
“Public-private partnerships are crucial for addressing logistical challenges,” said Walsh. “We need to get our highly perishable products to their destinations quickly. We’ve seen some improvements, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Walsh acknowledged the ongoing issues with pests and diseases, emphasizing the need for effective risk management and access to approved sprays.
Despite these hurdles, he remains confident in the quality of South African berries, which are well-received in international markets.
“We are recognized as a high-quality berry-producing nation,” Walsh stated. “Our exports are in demand, and we expect this trend to continue. This year, we forecast around 25,000 tons of exports, contingent on market conditions.”
One of the major topics at the symposium was logistics. The need to move berries quickly to sea freight is a critical issue, given the perishable nature of the product.
Walsh explained that ensuring timely sea freight is the biggest challenge, as it is crucial to maintain the quality of the berries.
Walsh discussed expectations from the new government, particularly concerning logistics. He emphasized the progress made in recent months and the need for continued collaboration with relevant authorities.
“We hope the new government will support the progress we’ve made in logistics,” Walsh said. “We will continue to work with the relevant authorities to showcase the importance of efficient logistics for the industry’s success and the broader economy.”
The symposium served as an essential platform for growers and industry stakeholders to share information and strategies.
Walsh stressed the importance of such gatherings for the industry’s health and growth. He noted that the event allows members to engage and share vital industry information, which is crucial for keeping the industry healthy and ensuring continued growth.
Walsh’s message to the industry was clear: unity and collaboration are key to overcoming challenges and achieving growth. He reassured growers and industry players that they are not alone in facing these challenges. Berries South Africa is there to support growers and facilitate the export process.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.