Exporting Fresh Produce From Africa: Key Challenges
Fresh produce exported from Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa is exposed to several logistical risks throughout the supply chain.
Long Transport Distances
Produce often travels hundreds or thousands of kilometres by road or rail before reaching ports such as Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Ngqura, Maputo, Walvis Bay, or Port Louis.
Temperature Fluctuations
Rapid changes between inland heat, cold storage, port environments, and sea transport can destabilise produce temperatures.
Airflow Inefficiency in Reefer Containers
Chilled air naturally flows around pallets instead of through them, creating hot spots and uneven cooling.
High Humidity & Condensation
Moisture buildup inside containers can lead to mold, decay, and packaging failure.
Cargo Movement & Pallet Shifting
Unstable pallets restrict airflow, damage cartons, and compromise produce quality.
Without proper cargo securing and protection, these factors significantly reduce shelf life and export success.
Cargo Securing & Protection Solutions for Fresh Produce
DunLash supplies an integrated range of cargo protection solutions designed to preserve produce quality from packhouse to destination.
RAFT Reefer Airflow Technology
RAFT is a specialised airflow modification technology for refrigerated shipping containers. It addresses one of the most common causes of fresh produce spoilage: uneven cooling.
How RAFT works:
- Redirects airflow from vertical to horizontal
- Forces chilled air through palletised produce
- Eliminates hot and cold spots inside containers
Benefits for fresh produce exporters:
- Improved temperature uniformity
- Faster temperature stabilisation
- Reduced spoilage and dehydration
- Improved outturn quality
- Extended shelf life
RAFT is commercially proven across a wide range of fruits and vegetables and is ideal for long export routes from Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Thermal Cargo Protection Solutions
Thermal container liners, pallet covers, and safety sheets help reduce the impact of external temperature changes during transport and handling.
These solutions:
- Limit heat gain during port dwell times
- Protect cargo during loading and unloading
- Support temperature stability throughout the journey
Container Desiccants & Moisture Control
Moisture is a major threat to fresh produce quality. Desiccants reduce humidity levels inside containers, helping prevent condensation and container rain.
They:
- Protect cartons and packaging
- Reduce mold and decay risk
- Preserve product integrity during long sea voyages
Dunnage Bags for Pallet Stabilisation
Dunnage bags are used to stabilise pallets inside containers by filling voids and preventing movement.
For fresh produce, they:
- Maintain pallet alignment
- Preserve airflow channels
- Prevent carton collapse and shifting
Polyester Lashing for Containerised Produce
Lightweight polyester lashing systems are used to secure pallets inside containers without damaging packaging.
They:
- Prevent load movement
- Protect carton integrity
- Support consistent airflow
How DunLash Supports Fresh Produce Exporters
DunLash works with growers, exporters, packhouses, and logistics providers to design cargo protection solutions suited to specific produce types and export routes.
Our support includes:
- Application-based product selection
- Integration of airflow, moisture, and load control
- Solutions for containers, road, and rail transport
- Experience across Southern and regional African export markets
