The launch of yet another exporting entity has been announced in a South African fresh fruit industry that’s becoming increasingly fragmented.
Exporter Afrifresh has decided to shed its topfruit division, and with it, experienced industry operator Archie Swanson, who has been managing the division under the Afrifresh umbrella. Mr Swanson will continue to run the business under his own arrangements.
Afrifresh director Roy Fine said the company has decided to concentrate on its core business, which comprises citrus and table grapes.
“We have been running topfruit as an independent division of Afrifresh and have suggested to Archie that he could take over the business and manage it for his own account,” Mr Fine told Fruitnet.com.
Mr Swanson said he is presently in negotiation with like-minded thinkers in the South African industry and will soon announce further developments to establish a business dealing with top fruit, citrus and table grapes.
“It is premature to say much now, but it will definitely involve a change in the name from Migratus (Pty) Ltd, under which we will be operating in the interim,” Mr Swanson said of the new venture.
Mr Fine said the whole South African industry is feeling the effects of the strong South African currency. “We have had excellent seasons for citrus fruit and table grapes but it is not reflected by the returns back to South Africa,” he told Fruitnet.com. “This is entirely caused by the strong South African rand, which is putting us all under pressure.”
As the new export season commences, Mr Fine said the conditions look good in the orchards and vineyards and it is hoped that exchange rates will also play their role to ensure a better 2011 season.
