SATI advances prescriptive logistics model to strengthen export resilience

Phase 2 results showcase regional risk-mitigation strategies, sharper market insights, and a pathway for broader fresh produce exports

[Madrid, 30 September 2025] – The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), in partnership with supply chain specialists Transnova, unveiled the latest results from its prescriptive logistics model at Fruit Attraction in Madrid,

The model is a tool that enables data-driven planning and execution across the export supply chain.

Now in its second phase, the model has shifted from high-level analysis to tactical planning at the regional level, providing growers and exporters with actionable strategies to mitigate risks, align with market shifts, and compete more effectively on the global stage by providing optimal route to market plans.

Phase 2: Tactical Planning in Action

During the 2024/25 export season, the model was run fortnightly, producing regionalised container allocation plans that were presented at 10 Joint Grape Marketing Forum (JGMF) sessions across key grower regions.

Key outcomes included:

• Focused regional scenarios: The model delivered tactical plans per production region, allowing growers to select optimal routes to market under different port conditions.
• Risk mitigation strategies: Scenario-based recommendations showed growers the potential cost-saving benefit, on a regional level, of following the optimal route to market should delays occur at outbound ports, as well as the loss associated with failing to respond.
• Plan vs. Actual analysis: Close alignment between forecasted and actual results confirmed the model’s predictive accuracy and value as a real-time decision support tool.
• Enhanced stakeholder collaboration: By providing visibility across the chain, the model improved engagement among producers, exporters, freight forwarders, and port authorities.

“Phase 2 has proven the model’s tactical value. For the first time, producers can see clear, region-specific options to navigate disruptions and protect margins. It’s a step-change for our industry,” said Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI.

Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities

The prescriptive logistics model is now positioned as a strategic enabler for the South African fresh produce sector beyond table grapes.

• Deeper market insight: By tracking shifts in demand, port performance, and global competition, the model will help industry leaders make faster, evidence-based decisions to maintain competitiveness and open new markets.
• Expanding beyond grapes: Plans are underway to extend the model to other fresh produce exports such as citrus and stone fruit, providing a holistic view of South Africa’s perishable export chain.
• Data-driven resilience: With more granular data across the value chain, the model will deliver even sharper recommendations, ensuring South Africa remains a trusted supplier in global markets.

“The prescriptive logistics model developed for SATI demonstrates how digital twin technology can move from theory into practice. This is more than a logistics tool — it’s a competitive advantage. By expanding it across fresh produce sectors, we can strengthen South Africa’s position in global markets while reducing costs and risks for exporters. Together with SATI, we’re proving that agricultural supply chains can be more resilient, efficient, and commercially sustainable,” said Carsten Schubert, MD of Transnova.

The prescriptive logistics model is already delivering measurable savings and helping exporters mitigate risks. With its proven tactical value, SATI and Transnova are now working to scale its benefits across other commodities and future seasons, ensuring South Africa’s agricultural exports remain competitive, resilient, and sustainable.

 

ISSUED BY SATI 

Enquiries:
Denene Erasmus
Market Development and Communications Manager
denene@satgi.co.za
+2721 863 0366

 

About SATI 

SATI is the unified South African Table Grape Industry Association. All table grape producers are required to register with SATI, which is mandated by law as the industry’s official levy administrator. The levy is required to fund and facilitate market access and development, research and technology, information provision, transformation, and training. SATI is dedicated to operating a partnership that strives to maintain South Africa’s position as the preferred country of origin for retailers around the world. Contact: info@satgi.co.za