Page 10 - Logistics Update Africa March - April 2024 issue for Website

COVER STORY

another trend, particularly in the context of
food safety and health risk management.
“The advent of e-commerce is also
having an impact on this market.
More and more consumers are buying
fresh produce online, creating new
opportunities and challenges for supply
companies in Africa,” he added.
“Finally, it should be noted that Africa
is facing increased competition from other
producing regions, such as Latin America
and Asia,” he added.
Dumas mentions flowers and perishables
as a very important sector for the Ostend–
Bruges International Airport in Belgium,
which he points out specialises in receiving,
handling and shipping perishable goods
from Africa in a very short time. $1.1 billion in 2022 as per the International
“This is the main activity of our first Trade Centre data. The EAC, in its 2021-
customer, Egyptair, which uses Ostend- 2031 strategic plan for fresh fruits and
Bruges Airport for the speed of its vegetables, intends to double its exports to
operations. Here, goods leave the airport on $900 million in the next eight years.
lorries even before the plane that brought The expansion of exports, as seen in
them has taken off again,” he said. the strategic plans of the East African
Ostend-Bruges, according to him, is also Community, presents a substantial
an ideal point of entry for the transport of It should be noted opportunity for logistics companies.
agricultural products to both continental MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Europe and the UK. that Africa is spokesperson said, “The expected growth
He added, “We are less than an hour's facing increased in exports and the region's aim to increase
drive from the Channel Tunnel to the UK. competition from production areas significantly open avenues
We offer a basic solution that is unique for logistics firms to offer innovative
in Europe, enabling players in the supply other flowers solutions and support this expansion.
chain to make substantial savings on their and perishables The shift towards more sustainable
operating costs.” producing regions, transportation methods and the increase
African producers are exploring new in demand for African perishables
markets to avoid disruptions. A recent such as Latin globally make the sector ripe for logistics
example would be the Kenyan avocados America and Asia. advancements and expansions.”
to China and Ethiopian mangoes to the According to him, adapting to
Middle East. This way they can diversify ERIC DUMAS global market demands, particularly
their markets and mitigate similar OSTEND–BRUGES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT from the EU, requires a shift towards
challenges in the future. Farmers are maritime transportation and other
cautious about the environment and to global warming issues. Major retailers sustainable practices.
are seeking the best practices to apply like Lidl and Tesco are moving towards Talking about the future of logistics
sustainable solutions. They are also applying reducing their carbon emissions by that handle the African perishables,
digital solutions with real-time trackers. On phasing out air freight for fresh products. Dumas said, “The adoption of advanced
their side, the governments are spending As a response, MSC has observed a technologies is also necessary to enhance
on infrastructure to make sure that the growth in reefer volumes by 5-10% on a transparency, security and efficiency
industry of flowers and perishables farming yearly basis as exporters move towards throughout the supply chain. The
gets to destined markets without hustle. more sustainable transportation modes. development of strategic partnerships
Meanwhile, MSC Mediterranean The company offers a comprehensive can strengthen supply chain capabilities,
Shipping Company spokesperson points suite of digital solutions to facilitate the promote access to new markets and
out that there's growing market demand documentation process and cargo pick-up/ stimulate innovation. Finally, exploring
for products like avocados in Europe and delivery,” he said. new markets and diversifying product
India, boosting exports through ports like The East Africa Community’s total export ranges can help reduce dependence on
Mombasa, Djibouti, and Dar Es Salaam. value for edible vegetables, and certain roots, overly specialised markets, while offering
“There is a noticeable shift from air tubers, edible fruit and nuts, and peels of opportunities for growth and differentiation
freight to more sustainable alternatives due citrus fruit or melons represents a total of in the global marketplace.”

8 LUA MARCH - APRIL 2024