INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
TECHNICAL
The drive for resilience in Africa ’ s food chain Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
The following presentation was delivered at the 2024 Cold Chain Refrigeration , Logistics and Technology Summit in Cape Town , by University of Stellenbosch researcher Dr Tarl Berry , on the topic ‘ Cold chain logistics and the drive for resilience in Africa ’ s food chain ’, in collaboration with Citrus Research International .
The citrus supply chain faces challenges in maintaining market access , quality control , and costeffectiveness . There ’ s a need for efficient temperature and humidity control , more depots and cold storage facilities , and optimised airflow and temperature fluctuations to reduce spoilage and improve fruit quality . In optimising fresh produce supply chain management , Berry emphasises the importance of understanding shelf life , using data-driven decision-making , and leveraging digital twins to optimise supply chain processes .
“ The citrus supply chain comprises several critical stages , each presenting unique challenges and opportunities . From cultivation on diverse farms across varying environmental conditions to meticulous packing and handling in cold storage facilities , the journey of citrus fruits involves multiple exposures to environmental factors and logistical challenges .”
Berry highlights the significance of inland transportation , often spanning vast distances from farms in countries like Botswana and Zimbabwe to major ports . The quality of roads and infrastructure plays a crucial role in preserving the freshness and quality of citrus during this journey .
As the second largest exporter of citrus in the world , the South African citrus industry faces the dual challenge of expanding market reach while maintaining stringent quality standards . Berry notes the diverse geographic spread of production across 20 distinct regions , each with its own environmental conditions and logistical considerations .
“ Market dynamics are constantly evolving , with traditional markets like Europe showing reduced demand while emerging markets in the Middle East and China present new opportunities . The shift in market preferences underscores the need for agile logistics and strategic planning to ensure timely delivery and competitive pricing .”
Berry emphasises the time-sensitive nature of citrus transportation , where even minor delays can impact fruit quality and marketability . The average transit times to various global destinations vary significantly , reflecting the logistical complexities involved in maintaining
freshness over long distances . In response to these challenges , industry experts advocate for strategic enhancements across the citrus supply chain :
• Implementing precise temperature and humidity control measures at every stage — from farm to market — is crucial for preserving fruit quality and extending shelf life .
• Enhancing airflow and minimising temperature fluctuations in storage and transportation facilities can significantly reduce spoilage and ensure consistent product quality .
• Leveraging data analytics and digital twin technologies enables real-time monitoring and predictive insights , empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions that optimise supply chain efficiency and responsiveness .
“ Unlike some fruits , citrus exhibit linear respiration rates , necessitating meticulous control of temperature and environmental conditions throughout their journey . Factors like resource depletion post-harvest and the risk of chilling injury during transport pose significant challenges that must be managed while maintaining costeffectiveness .”
A key concern in global citrus trade is compliance with international phytosanitary regulations - measures which focus on preventing , controlling and mitigating the introduction , spread and establishment of quarantine pests of plants , particularly concerning pest control . Different countries impose varied requirements for pest treatments , such as cold treatments or chemical interventions , to prevent the spread of pests like fruit flies . Berry highlights the logistical complexity of managing these treatments effectively , often opting for treatments onboard shipping vessels to minimise transit time and maximise freshness .
“ Temperature management is critical in preserving citrus quality during transit . An intricate balance is required to maintain optimal temperatures that both inhibit pests and preserve fruit quality without inducing chilling injury .” He presents data illustrating this delicate balance , emphasising the
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