Cold Link Africa July/August 2018 | Page 28

ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN New names for local deciduous fruit associations The two largest deciduous fruit industry associations — the South African Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (SAAPPA) and the South African Stone Fruit Producers’ Association (SASPA) — will in future be known as Hortgro Pome and Hortgro Stone, respectively. to improve and accelerate decision- became known as Hortgro. Hortgro is members, stone fruit, and apple and pear umbrella-group, said in a making, as we are operating in a rapidly a levy-funded industry body servicing producers, as well as other horticultural statement that the name changes changing and demanding environment.” primarily its main groups. will streamline future services, industry The two entities will continue as non- identity, and branding, as well as profit companies and the chairpersons communication locally and abroad. for the two groupings will stay the same, Hortgro executive director Anton namely: Nicholas Dicey for Hortgro Pome Rabe said that “Within the horticulture and André Smit for Hortgro Stone, but the group, we are committed to continuous number of directors on the respective and proactive adjustments in a dynamic boards will be reduced and will in future and diverse environment, to minimise be streamlined along focused portfolios. duplication and ensure cost-effective Hortgro has its roots in the Deciduous service delivery to a wide range of Fruit Board that was established in interested groups. Restructuring and 1939 as a regulatory body to manage aligning of our associations within the the industry. With the deregulation of broader industry were therefore agreed agriculture in 1997, it morphed into the upon by the various stakeholders in order Deciduous Fruit Producers’ Trust and later 28 CLA H ortgro, the deciduous fruit The South African Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (SAAPPA) and the South African Stone Fruit Producers’ Association (SASPA) have changed their names. www.coldlinkafrica.co.za COLD LINK AFRICA • July/August 2018