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Every day, tons of flowers leave Africa by plane

Over the years, Africa’s horticultural and floricultural produce has gained popularity in the international markets due to the quality and variety that the continent has to offer. While there is tremendous potential for the air freight industry for the transportation of perishables, there is an increasing need for African countries to upgrade and invest in better cool chain facilities.

Amongst all the economies of the world, the emerging economy of Africa is a major perishable market. Kenya’s flower business, for example, is flourishing, with expected annual export growth rates of around 5 percent. We are seeing regional differences in perishable trends across markets in Africa. In East Africa, where the majority of perishables are horticultural and floricultural; we are seeing a movement from where previously buyers would converge in Amsterdam and auction there, to countries buying directly from farmers in Kenya. This presents a substantial area for growth as logistics channels are streamlined to facilitate these new purchasing habits.

“Whether moving resources from the continent or bringing goods and services into its booming economy, there is tremendous potential for air freight in Africa, especially West Africa and Central Africa. We are seeing increasing volumes in the transport of perishables like fruits, vegetables, fish and flowers with flowers being the most exported commodity. The intra-Africa trade is also very important and offers good opportunities for air cargo transport,” explains Ulrich Ogiermann, chief officer Cargo, Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways Cargo has scheduled freighter operations to Khartoum, Djibouti, Entebbe, Nairobi, Accra, Lagos and Johannesburg and carries belly hold cargo to twenty two destinations in the African continent. “We transport over 700 tonnes cargo each week to and from the African continent mainly to United Kingdom, Amsterdam, Central European destinations, Middle East, China and Australia.”

Each year, on average, Lufthansa Cargo, transports approx 10,000 tonnes of fresh fish and seafood, approx 25,000 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables, approx 20,000 tonnes of plants and flowers including approx 35-40 million roses each year just for Valentine’s Day.

Read more at The Stat Trade Times
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