Cost pressures cut into Astral's earnings

Higher feed and other input costs cut into Astral Foods' (ARL) half-year earnings, and the poultry producer anticipates this scenario to play out again in the second half of its fiscal year. 15 May 2012 14:58

Beefing up consumption

Retailers who were initially accused of not passing on lower red meat prices to consumers have "belatedly" started doing so, industry insiders say. 11 May 2012 16:08

Emerging markets forecast to drive dairy industry boom

[Hopewell Radebe] An international index has forecast growth for the dairy industry from an expected rise in prosperity and buying power among consumers in emerging markets including Africa. 7 May 2012 14:40

No more 'French' fries - industry appeals for local support

In South Africa, the local French fry market is under attack by the importation of French fries from Europe, putting about 100 of the 650 commercial potato farmers, which produce potatoes under contract for the processing industry, at risk. 30 Apr 2012 10:40

P and P Communications

Supply chain company releases 3D virtualisation solution for retailers

JDA Software Group has announced the release of JDA 3D, an integrated category optimisation and 3D virtualisation solution. Powered by Red Dot Square, JDA 3D transforms space and floor planning solutions into a smart, interactive photo-realistic world. 26 Apr 2012 10:38

Ububele loses appetite

[Marc Hasenfuss] Small agribusiness player Ububele Holdings needs to get out of the food processing business. It has also indicated a willingness to expand its ice cream making facilities by opening plants in Durban and Cape Town in a bid to secure retail business. 13 Apr 2012 13:58

2012 harvest looks promising for good sweet wines

According to Callie van Niekerk, who heads all Distell's winery operations, the 2012 harvest has produced quality aromatic whites and reds of intense colour and well-balanced ripeness, despite the early January heat spikes, which were a cause for concern, as well as shortages of water in some areas. 12 Apr 2012 12:33

Global Data Synchronisation Network to rollout in Southern Africa

The Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) is ready to be rolled out in Southern Africa following a partnership agreement between GS1 South Africa, a division of the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) and 1SYNC, the wholly owned subsidiary of GS1 US. 11 Apr 2012 11:12

Fruit SA calls for export supply chain efficiency

South African fruit growers are at risk unless export supply chain services and costs improve, warns a key industry body in the run-up to the Cool Logistics Africa conference. 30 Mar 2012 14:08

Barloworld Logistics, Manline in JV

Manline, a diversified logistics group providing transport, warehousing, distribution and supply chain services throughout southern Africa and Barloworld Logistics, one of southern Africa's leading logistics and supply chain management experts, announced that they had formed a joint venture, which began operations at the beginning of March 2012. 23 Mar 2012 14:00

Killing the consumer with absurdity

[Chris Moerdyk: @chrismoerdyk] I keep thinking about that cabinet minister who, a few weeks ago, said that e-tolls wouldn't hurt the poor because the rich would pay for it all. What he didn't realise of course, was that when the rich pay the tolls, they put it on their expense accounts or add it to their truck fleet operating costs and eventually pass it on to the consumer. Including the poor consumer. 23 Mar 2012 10:21

Big guys at the gate

[Marc Hasenfuss] There's a perception that investing in SA's agribusiness sector is at best a pastoral affair. But by the end of this year that notion might be blown right out of the farm dam. 16 Mar 2012 15:03

IMPERIAL Logistics

IMPERIAL Logistics to "release the potential" of Africa at leading SAPICS Conference

Reflecting its ongoing commitment to the African supply chain community, and to growing and developing the industry's skills and body of knowledge, IMPERIAL Logistics will contribute a diverse line-up of presentations to the upcoming SAPICS Conference and Exhibition for supply chain professionals. 12 Mar 2012 11:08

Winemaker industry has shrunk

Since the 2009 recession, grape and wine consumers have opted to buy cheaper, leaving producers in a cost-price squeeze with income failing to keep up with rises in production costs, according to a recent study by wine producers' body Vinpro. 28 Feb 2012 22:32