How South Africa Moves Fresh Produce to the World | Ep. 165

What happens to fresh produce after it leaves the packhouse — and what does it take to get that fruit to markets around the world in the right condition? In Episode 165 of the Lucentlands Podcast, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Andy Connell, fresh produce logistics specialist and consultant, whose career in the sector stretches back to the early days of South Africa’s deregulated fruit export industry. Andy takes us inside a part of the fresh produce value chain that is often largely invisible to those outside logistics. Drawing on decades of experience with companies including Westminster Produce, Dole and shipping operations, he recounts the shift towards 12-metre refrigerated containers, the development of a more integrated cold chain and the enormous changes that containerisation brought to fresh produce exports. The conversation also explores how South Africa’s export system has become increasingly digital. Andy explains the importance of PPECB systems, electronic documentation and traceability — and why South Africa has developed capabilities that he believes place it ahead of many competing fresh produce exporting countries. The discussion also tackles some of the industry's most pressing challenges: • Why logistics begins long before fruit reaches the port • The evolution of reefer containers and cold-chain management • Digitalisation, traceability and export documentation • The role of PPECB in South Africa’s fresh produce export system • The operational challenges facing Cape Town’s port • What happened to rail as a viable fresh produce transport option • The importance of transferring logistics knowledge to the next generation • Why young people should be exposed to logistics as a career • How AI is already being used in post-harvest decision-making • Using data to reduce waste and protect fruit quality in destination markets Andy also shares a message that has shaped much of his work as a trainer and mentor: you never stop learning — and there is no such thing as a stupid question. This is a wide-ranging conversation about the systems, people and decisions behind getting South African fresh produce from the orchard to customers around the world.Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm\_source=lucentlands&utm\_medium=referral&utm\_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/