/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Two Western Cape companies operating in the agro-processing sector are ready to make their mark internationally when they set off to the Fruit Logistica Berlin Trade Fair that will take place in Germany from tomorrow to Friday, 9 February 2018. Stems Fruit and Unlimited Group, both received financial support from the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), and are part of the twenty-five companies that will be participating in the trade fair.  

The Managing Director of Stems Fruit, Ms Annelie Hauman says Berlin is a great platform and opportunity to supply the best quality stone fruits out of South Africa and to expand the company’s footprint in Europe.

“This will be my fourth participation, I will get an opportunity to meet up again with our existing clients,  retailers, logistics people and service providers. We have also set up meetings with breeders and growers who have representatives all over the world in order to access new markets,” she says.

Sterns Fruit is a marketing company represents twenty-five growers and exports white and yellow flesh nectarines and peaches, plums and apricots.

The Group Managing Director of Unlimited Group, Mr Riel Malan says as producers and exporters of fruits, vegetables and nuts in Paarl, the Berlin fair is unique in the sense that it is the centre of the fruit universe and everyone in the fruit industry congregates there from all different markets.  He says the three-day exhibition fair gives him the opportunity to touch base with everyone at the beginning of the year, just to plan for the next season especially for citrus producers.

‘Every single year is interesting, and as a mature company we are always looking at fine-tuning our business and find two or three extra high-end customers and new products that might expand or fit into our basket,” says Malan.

Malan adds that the company signed a deal with a small supermarket chain that is based in Siberia in 2017 during the Berlin Fair. He says they are already supplying the chain store on a small scale since beginning of this year.

The Fruit Logistica Berlin Trade Fair covers every sector of the international fruit and vegetable supply chain from production, distribution and marketing, through to the point of sale, including global players as well as small and medium-sized suppliers from all around the world.

the dti has over the years assisted hundreds of businesses through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance scheme. The scheme develops export markets for South African products and services.

Issued by Departmen tof Trade and Industry