Cold Link Africa September 2020 | Page 17

ASSOCIATIONS INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN countries. Despite the difficulties in organising meetings and international travel, the WCO has managed to attract all responsible citrus growers to the table – and encourages those who have not yet joined to do so as soon as possible. The WCO is proving to be a catalyst in bringing those who value the global citrus industry together – this meeting provided the opportunity to receive excellent analysis on the southern hemisphere citrus situation (see Table 1) presented by CIRAD, and some insights into the juicing world presented by the International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Associations. In addition, the delegates discussed issues of common interest – such as experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. Delegates agreed on the importance of sharing information and learnings within the sector – which will be further advanced by a WCO virtual conference later in 2020. CLA Table 1: Latest packed and shipped figures Million 15 Kg Cartons to end Week 29 Packed Packed Packed Shipped Shipped Original Estimate Latest Prediction Final Packed SOURCE: PPECB/AgriHub 2018 2019 2020 2019 2020 2020 2020 2019 Grapefruit 17.9 m 15.7 m 14.1 m 13.1 m 12.7 m 16.7 m 15.1 m 16.1 m Soft Citrus 11.3 m 12.5 m 15.7 m 9.6 m 13.1 m 23.3 m 22.8 m 18.3 m Lemons 15.7 m 17.5 m 22.8 m 13.2 m 18.2 m 26.4 m 26.7 m 22.1 m Navels 21 m 18.1 m 20.1 m 13.7 m 15.6 m 26.5 m 26.4 m 24.3 m Valencia 12 m 12.4 m 15.4 m 6.5 m 8.5 m 50.4 m 48.4 m 46.8 m Total 77.9 m 76.2 m 88.1 m 5 m 68.1 m 143.3 m 139.4 m 127.5 m GCCA South Africa select cold chain advisory council By GCCA South Africa Industry leaders help strengthen the cold chain in South Africa. The South African regional office of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has named five cold chain industry leaders to its advisory council. The council members’ role is to help shape GCCA’s regional strategy and prioritise the actions to strengthen South Africa’s cold chain industry, forge new partnerships, and strengthen existing relationships – linking all aspects of the South African cold chain industry. The five leaders began their one-year term on 1 August 2020, and are: • Christopher Nulliah, logistics director, Etlin International • Paul Gibbons, customer director, Vector Logistics • Colin Barker, compliance manager, Table Bay Cold Storage • Carlos De Mendonca, general manager, Crossberth Cold Stores • Jaco Ollewagen, manager: Technical, CCS Logistics Members are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, influence, and professional accomplishments within the South African temperature-controlled products industry. They exhibit a deep affinity for the industry and support GCCA’s mission and vision. The council represents a variety of regions, sectors of the cold chain industry and company size and scope. "I am excited to launch the inaugural GCCA South Africa Advisory Council with these five leaders who have made the commitment to help grow and strengthen Africa’s cold chain,” says regional director Lizelle van der Berg. “Collectively, they will serve as the voice of the cold chain industry and help GCCA Africa create exponential value for our members.” GCCA president and CEO Matthew Ott, adds, “Our members ensure a strong, unbroken cold chain for perishable foods throughout transport and storage, reducing food loss and increasing food stability across the globe. The dedication of these individuals and their support of the Global Cold Chain Alliance industry is invaluable to the efforts of GCCA in South Africa and beyond.” The Global Cold Chain Alliance and GCCA South Africa is comprised of its core partners, including the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW), the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO), the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA), and the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA), the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) in temperature-controlled logistics. GCCA unites all partners to be innovative leaders in the temperaturecontrolled products industry and works throughout Africa to strengthen the cold chain and maintain product integrity and quality between rural areas and more populous cities. Member services in the region range from post-harvest technical assistance to international connections for companies involved in the importing and exporting of represents all major industries engaged temperature-controlled products. CLA The GCCA South Africa’s appointed council members will guide growth and strategy. COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2020 www.coldlinkafrica.co.za 17