Paarl, 06 December 2024 – The FPT Group recently hosted Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, along with the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), to celebrate the milestone of shipping the first grapes of the new season through FPT Group’s dedicated berths at the Port of Cape Town.
Minister Meyer emphasised the crucial role of private sector investment and collaboration between government and the private sector in achieving the Western Cape’s economic strategy. He noted that agriculture in the Western Cape is export-oriented, making it essential for all terminals at the Port of Cape Town to operate optimally.
“My goal is to triple the value of Western Cape exports of goods and services, including tourism, to reach R450 billion by 2035. Furthermore, the aim is to increase the number of active exporters located in the Western Cape by 400 by 2030,” said Meyer.
As a private multi-purpose terminal operator in the ports of Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha, FPT Group plays a key role in supporting South Africa’s fresh fruit export industry. FPT handles 100% of all break bulk (conventional vessel) fruit exported from the Port of Cape Town and has experienced significant growth in market share for all fruit exported from the port.
FPT reported a 50% year-on-year increase in specialised reefer fruit volumes shipped direct to vessels and a 60% year-on-year increase in container volumes between January and November 2024. To enhance operational efficiency, FPT has invested in recruiting and training additional staff and acquiring ten new lithium-ion electric forklifts.
Paulo Franco, Managing Director of FPT Group, expressed gratitude for the support of stakeholders and the recognition from the Western Cape Government regarding FPT’s significant contribution to the fruit industry. “This collaboration fuels economic growth, and we remain committed to creating opportunities by investing in the port and enhancing efficiencies to support the industry,” Franco said.
Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI, highlighted the industry’s proactive approach to addressing logistical challenges at the Port of Cape Town. “We’ve seen improvements in communication between the industry and stakeholders, and we support efforts to resolve challenges at the ports,” Petersen stated.
“We welcome the Western Cape Government’s willingness to collaborate with producer groups and other private sector partners,” she added.
The table grape industry expects the 2024/2025 season’s export volumes to increase by approximately 1% compared with last year, reaching an estimated 76.4 million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons. This represents a 6% increase over five-year average volumes. With the season underway, producers are optimistic about fruit quality, and South Africa remains well-positioned to supply the market with sufficient quality products.
[ENDS]JOINTLY ISSUED BY SATI, FPT AND WCG
Media Enquiries:
Ms. Denene Erasmus
Market Development & Communications Manager, SATI
denene@satgi.co.za
+2784 548 4606
Mr. Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for Dr Ivan Meyer: Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za
+2721 483 3261
