players to ensure that we comply with

these requirements .”

ECS has improved physical aspects

of its facility as well as operational

the top concerns facing food company executives is the safety

and quality of their products once it leaves

their facilities . They place a lot of trust in

their cold chain partners . Across this

research , participants routinely revisited

themes emphasising that cold chain

providers are a direct extension of their

customers ’ brands , perception , and value

with consumers .

Darryl Poisson , Managing Director

of Ethekwini Cold Stores ( Pty ) Ltd ( ECS )

explains how food safety is extremely

important to them as it is critical to their

clients and that cold stores need to be

committed to rendering a consistent

quality service which meets their

clients ’ safety needs . Says Poisson : “ It is

imperative that we work with our clients

to ensure food safety and quality . It is

important to note that it is not only our

clients who demand a specific level of

food safety and quality , but also industry

regulatory requirements as per the PPECB ,

Department of Agriculture , Walmart ,

etc . We work closely with all industry role

procedures and efficiencies , and continues to do so . Poisson further explains that it is vital that the industry tracks product from orchard to destination and that a quality warehouse management system is required to accurately record this data and track the exact location whilst in the care of the cold store .

It is also important that the temperature management system tracks important historical temperature of various areas within your facility as well as the pulp temperature of all products requiring pulp temperature monitoring . This can be done via wireless pulp temperature probes and a multitude of other IT systems , explains Poisson . When ECS receives product , their first deliverable is recording accurate product information and to report stock information to their clients , on which they base important sales and logistical decisions . ECS then renders a very important service in cooling specific product to a specific temperature required by the client to comply with industry and target market protocols .

These temperatures are also monitored

GCCA

by regulatory bodies . Specific product can be relabelled according to clients ’ sales and target market requirements . Inspection facilities and personnel for inspections by their clients ’ service providers as well as the Department of Agriculture are provided . Product is then packed into specific containers on instructions from clients - all under supervision of regulatory bodies .

Poisson adds : “ We have also installed a new CCTV system with over 100 cameras to not only monitor logistical movements , but very importantly the quality of product handling . This CCTV system also acts as

an effective deterrent for product theft ”. When the PPECB used to award ‘ Best Cold Store in Durban ’ ECS won this award twice and was runner up twice in the last four consecutive years of the award . As per Poisson , they are known as one of , if not the most productive and efficient container packing facilities in Durban .

Philippa Charlesworth from Reefer Cold Storage says : “ Reefer is committed to ensuring that only healthy food gets out into the South African market .” She further explains that this is made possible by evaluating processes and constantly improving food safety levels . Internal