4

8

21

Continued on

24

REGULARS

3 Editors column 33 Products 34 Buyers guide 35 Wordsearch

NEWS

4 Oja ! Farms wins an underbar for their establishment 5 Banking on climate change 6 Shortfalls lead to alternate operations strategy adoption 7 Buyers beware – cheap solar systems could cost you more

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

10 The neglected demand side of the green equation

12 CO ₂ ventilation breakthrough could turn city rooftops into veg gardens

ASSOCIATIONS

14 Gas is the winner in efficiency and accessibility 15 SATI update 16 AMIE calls for comprehensive review of import duties on poultry 17 A new age : solar for refrigerated trucks

FEATURES

24 Keeping the entire cold chain clean and safe

PROJECT

We want to showcase your projects ! Get in touch eamonn @ interactmedia . co . za

CONTRIBUTORS

8 Automation & technology : Capex versus opex in intra-logistics and storage

13 Postharvest : Quality means considering many details

20 Training : Awareness of problems to address and being under the whip

22 Business : Warehouse management and the power of synergy

TECHNICAL

28 The combined effect of edible coating and ozonated cold storage

Department of Health ' s Coronavirus Hotline Number :

Monday - Friday : 8am - 4pm

Cold Link Africa Online

Cold Link Africa

ColdLinkAfrica

There are so many possibilities for expansion and , in fact , an expectation of the cold chain growing significantly owing to expanding demand . However , there are also several factors standing in the way of getting there .

These include things like policy , trade agreements and new regulations , and on the other hand , larger issues such as the state of ports and infrastructure in this country that just does not seem to be making any progress toward betterment past “ discussions and promises ”.

The continually-headlined “ energy crisis ” has also reached a point where it is now a major damper onto local businesses as well as a deal-breaker for international investment according to industry players – so there is an obvious tug of war at play currently over and above the supply chain challenges with raw materials and componentry , and , further extended delivery times that most suppliers are considering as large business risks because their “ clients are tired of waiting ” and large gaps for clients to seek out alternatives ( often lesser quality ) are arising .

It is perhaps just timing at this point where everything will fall into place and open the doors to good business conditions

again , and it is certainly much needed , as I have mentioned in my comments before – that role players have spent many years preparing for growth , supply volumes , and quality produce – and now it ’ s essential that a trading environment is secured to reap the rewards , rather than falling behind the rest of the world and not being able to participate internationally .

So , I suppose only the next few months will be able to tell what the year will actually bring . As we all know by now – things change so quickly these days and the global economy , practices and objectives can be set on a new course by the simple comments of the world ’ s richest – even the prospects around inhabiting another planet . One thing will remain – no matter where we are or what the situation , the cold chain and controlled environments will always be key in the connection between producer and consumer .

This issue is again full-up of news , association updates , contributor articles and technical information related to maintaining the cold chain that drives quality and safe products – be this in its natural form or as a processed version . Also , we have to continue to be aware and implement best practices for safety , as well as technology to improve efficiency and stay competitive , so other content will address these factors . We further showcase various new products , technology and services – are these valuable to you ?

Our feature is on another vast subject matter – cleaning , chemicals and equipment

– which is the foundation of many aspects of perishable goods that can so easily become contaminated . From technology to proper cleaning protocols – I hope this ( high level ) information can prove useful to all facilities and processing stations along the chain – or at least spark some interest in further investigation around the topic .

As a final point of business , I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the new editor of Cold Link Africa – Eamonn Ryan . Eamonn will be taking over this role as of the next issue and I trust you will continue to engage with him and that he too will provide you with the content you find useful . I will offer a final reminder that we are always open to any comments , opinions , compliments or criticism to ensure that we will keep on producing a truly world-class product for you , and Eamonn will carry this forward as well !

As for me , I will be heading off to pursue another adventure with my family . It has been a great honour to meet many of you in the industry and share in your experiences as well as your knowledge , and I know there can only be success as the result for all aspects of the cold chain in South Africa , for the future prospects of the industry , and the best quality perishable goods locally , and indeed the world with the support of what we have come to realise are some of the best professionals on the globe !

All the best ! CLA

Ben