Strap: To unlock export potential through reefer container technology
While Sri Lankan exports of fruits and vegetables have grown over the years, the country is yet to achieve its full potential in gaining a larger share of the Middle Eastern and European markets due to various gaps along the value chain.
Sri Lankan exports are perceived as expensive compared to the competition, unable to increase volumes required to be competitive, and constrained by high freight costs. The onset of the pandemic exacerbated the situation due to limited export possibilities and increased air freight expenses.
With a focus on expanding exports towards the Middle Eastern and European markets, the Lanka Fruits & Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association (LFVPPEA)requested the EU-funded ‘Technical Assistance to the Modernisation of Agriculture Programme’ (TAMAP)to guide on how to unlock the export potential of the Fruit and Vegetable sector by resorting to reefer container technology.
TAMAP responded to the LFVPPEA by providing knowledge and assistance on efficient and effective reefer container management and post-harvest handling for sea freight and guidance on quality harvesting protocols and management of freight failure.
In this respect, TAMAP engaged two experts specialised in horticulture value chain management and export logistics: M. N.Prabath- an expert in international trade and logistics, including the shipping industry, and Keith Roxburgh– an international technical specialist in fresh produce cold chain, supply chain and marine claims.
Throughout the assignment, TAMAP had several meetings with LFVPPEA’s members and other agro-exporters involved in the sector. The experts engaged in one-on-one encounters, visited plantations to assess workflows, provided advisory support on how to improve export volumes, and organized several pieces of training. During the assignment, Prabath and Roxburgh conducted a virtual workshop on “The value of the supply chain for reefer container exports”. While bringing forward core concepts related to reefer technology, participants were provided with a thorough introduction to cold room management and logistics principles and practices.
Prabath noted, “Through our assignment, we aimed to provide exporters with best practices, and support them on how to define claim prevention so as to minimize possible logistical repercussions.”
TAMAP’s experts worked also with the Export Development Board, to widen their reach to support other exporters keen to learn more about reefer technology. TAMAP also conducted sessions for frontline leaders of several fruit and vegetable export organizations. A workshop on ‘Risk Mitigation and Claims Handling’ was held in this regard.
Commenting on the TAMAP Programme, Suresh Ellawala, President of the LFVPPEA said, “At a time when the pandemic has reduced the number of commercial flights and greatly increased cargo rates, our association believes that the transition from air freight to sea freight will be a game-changer for increasing the competitiveness of exports of fresh agri-produce from Sri Lanka.”
With the objective of providing access to all exporters interested in benefitting from reefer technology, TAMAPhas created an online e-library of material relevant to the assignment which includes articles, videos and manuals. All exporters now have access to this digital repository via https://www.eusl-ruraldevelopment.org/reports-documents/, which will support them in their further endeavours.
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