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Arnaud Thibault, managing director South Africa and regional director Southern African countries for CMA CGM, and general manager South Africa and owner's representative, Southern East African countries for Delmas, is the latest major carrier executive confirmed to speak at the Cool Logistics Africa 2012 conference, taking place 24-26 April in Cape Town.??

Drawing on his extensive experience throughout East and Sub-Saharan Africa, Thibault will discuss the outlook for Africa’s refrigerated produce trades, including a perspective on the comparative efficiencies of port and hinterland cold chain transport infrastructure across the continent.

'Both at sea and on land, container and specialised refrigerated carriers play a major role in ensuring the competitiveness of African fresh produce in European, Far and Middle Eastern markets, as well as enabling Africa’s refrigerated import trades,' said Cool Logistics director Alex von Stempel. 'With views from CMA CGM, MSC, Hamburg Sud, NYKCool, Maersk, MOL and Safmarine, Cool Logistics Africa will provide a comprehensive platform for Africa's fresh produce exporters and importers to explore the latest developments in the cold transport chain and what this means for their business.'

??Fresh produce growers, exporters and importers will also air their views on Africa’s evolving role and needs during the 2-day conference. Speakers from Agrofair, Capespan Exports, Chiquita Brands, Dole Food Company, Flora Holland, PPECB and Sunripe Group will review the logistics landscape for the fresh produce industries in Southern, East and West Africa and discuss how to address current constraints and bottlenecks.?

?To round off the debate on Africa’s cold chain performance in a global context, the conference will host speakers from the perishable logistics, transport infrastructure, policy maker and consulting sectors, including Aspen International, GoReefers, Kenfreight, Hellmann Perishable Logistics, the National Agricultural Marketing Council, Ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam and Transnet National Ports Authority.??

From the hosts of the well-respected Cool Logistics Global event in Europe, now in its 4th year, Cool Logistics Africa 2012 runs from 24-26 April at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town.