FRUIT SEASON HAS STARTED IN PORT MAPUTO

22 May 2003

Moçambique Produce Terminal (MPT) is gearing up its operations to export substantial tonnages of mainly class 1 fruit, amounting to an increase of more than 25% on last year’s volumes. To date, three reefer vessels have called Maputo Port, loading in total 6000 pallets.

‘We are anticipating an increase in exports, because this is the best growing season for a long time, which has produced quality fruit’, says Paulo Franco, General Manager of MPT.

The terminal has enhanced its service to respond to a growing demand, not only in volume, but also in terms of quality. The main gain is the fact that the cold rooms were recently certified for export by PPECB, the Perishable Products Export Control Board. And by October this year MPT hopes to become accredited ISO 9002.

´We are confident that a solid basis is being created for further growth’, stated Alec Don, CEO of Maputo Port Development Company. ´The recent improvements on the terminal will build up the confidence of fruit exporters. And additionally, MPDC will assure its best service to the shipping lines that are calling our port. The rehabilitation of the infrastructure, to be initiated soon, will further contribute to an improved operation´.

The citrus fruit, mainly coming from Mpumalanga Province in South Africa and in a minor part form Maputo Province in Mozambique, is exported to Sheerness in the UK, as well as Rotterdam and Vlissingen in the Netherlands, where it is sold to supermarkets and wholesalers.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Sonia Mota
Tel: +258 1 313 920
Fax: +258 1 313 921
E-mail: sonia.mota@portmaputo.com
Picture available upon request.