Panalpina is extending its growing Perishables Network across Africa and this time to South Africa by acquiring a majority stake in Skyservices.
The company is located in Johannesburg and Cape Town and started operations in May 2000 and is fully owned by Bernd Julicher, Frik van Rooyen and Jaco van Zijverden.
It operates a 2,000 square metre warehouse inside OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and a 1,700 square metre warehouse just outside Cape Town International Airport.
Perishables make up 40 per cent of South Africa’s airfreight exports, with top commodities including fresh cut flowers, fruit, specialist vegetables, berries, meat and fish.
Skyservices’ biggest markets are the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, the UAE and the USA.
Panalpina chief executive officer (CEO), Stefan Karlen said: “Given the strategic role that South Africa plays for the global trade of perishables today and tomorrow, it is only logical that we establish our own presence there and further strengthen the ever-growing Panalpina Perishables Network.”
He added that Panalpina’s non-perishables cargo into South Africa will continue to be handled by Bidvest Panalpina.
Panalpina regional CEO for the Middle East, Africa and the CIS, Rafic Mecattaf said: “Today is a day of celebration, and the beginning of an exciting journey. South Africa is a land of opportunity and we see a significant growth potential for perishables in this country, including in ocean freight.”
