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Senador Julio Salazar: “Trópico de Cochabamba produce más banano que coca”
El senador por el oficialismo, Julio Salazar, señaló que durante la presente gestión en el trópico de Cochabamba se llegó a
incentivar la producción de banana, lo que permitió que el sector se convierta más en un productor de frutas que de coca.
“Es un éxito, yo diría gracias a este proceso de cambio van consolidándose nuestra economía y por lo tanto el Chapara y los
Yungas de La Paz no sólo producimos ahora la hoja de coca, sino somos productores agropecuarios, por el momento desde el
chapare se exporta banano hacia Argentina, a Chile y Perú” puntualizó.
Según datos oficiales, las ventas de banano a la Argentina llegan a 50 millones de dólares por año y Bolivia desde el Chapare
coloca en ese país cerca de cinco millones de cajas.
Asimismo se resalto que la producción de este fruto produce gran número de empleos en el sector.
Salazar resaltó que entre otros productos que se incentivan en el sector están el palmito y la piña.
Por tanto Salazar dijo que en Cochabamba como en los Yungas la población esta direccionada a la producción de banano y que
la producción de coca es controlada a través de una demarcación de los sectores donde se permite plantar la hoja de coca,
además de que sólo grupo determinado de familias están autorizadas para realizar esta actividad.
“Como todos saben hay compromiso de los productores de coca por lo que sólo 7.000 hectáreas son las destinadas para este
producto, nadie más puede aumentan, no se permite a nuevos afiliados y si hay nuevos afiliados se dedican a producir otros
productos”, dijo.
El legislador finalizó señalando que la plantación de cocales ilegales en el trópico Cochabambino redujo y que la actividad ilegal en
este departamento se centraría en Ayopaya y Carrasco.
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Petróleo y banano son los productos líderes del pastel exportador ecuatoriano
Quito. Los productos estrella del Ecuador, exceptuando el petróleo siguen liderados por el banano, que
se lleva el 21,2% del pastel exportador ecuatoriano.
Entre enero y octubre, las ventas de la fruta tropical alcanzan los US$1.737 millones, representados en
4.348 toneladas métricas de envíos.
En este período, sin embargo las ventas de banano han disminuido comparándolas con las efectuadas
en el año pasado. Una disminución de volumen de ventas en 8,1% y un alza en el precio del 0,6% dan
como resultado una menor recaudación de este producto de -7,5%.
El camarón, en segundo lugar de la lista de productos exportados, representa el 13% de las ventas totales del Ecuador. En 10
meses del año se han vendido 176 toneladas del marisco, con una venta que llega a US$1.067,9 millones.
Pese a que el precio unitario (por tonelada) disminuyó 3,3% en comparación con el 2011, se mantuvo a US$6.075 de promedio.
En cambio se vendieron 14% más toneladas de camarón por lo cual este producto llegó a un incremento del 10% en el valor
recaudado.
Los enlatados de pescado ocupan el tercer lugar con el 11,2% del pastel exportador y ventas por US$919 millones. En cuarto
lugar están las flores naturales, el 7,6% del pastel y ventas por US$624,9 millones.
Los vehículos son en este año el quinto producto de exportación del Ecuador con un desempeño extraordinario que aumentó su
volumen de ventas casi en 50% en comparación con el 2011. Se vendieron 36 toneladas de vehículos ensamblados en el Ecuador
por US$381,8 millones.
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Ecuador define plan estratégico respecto al banano
Quito, 19 dic (PL) El Gobierno de Ecuador decidió reducir entre 15 y 20 mil hectáreas de cultivo de banano a partir del próximo año
para mantener controlada la oferta y mejorar la calidad del principal renglón exportable.
El Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería, Acuacultura y Pesca (Magap) anunció que esa medida fue tomada a partir de los
resultados del censo a las empresas dedicadas en la actualidad a ese cultivo para proceder a la reconversión de cultivos. Carlos
Vélez, del Magap, declaró a medios locales que el sector bananero no admite más hectáreas cultivadas de la fruta, por lo que la
medida es controlar las plantaciones ilegales o aumentos de las hectáreas cultivadas.
Datos oficiales de enero de 2011 indican que Ecuador cuenta con 230 mil hectáreas cultivadas de banano, de las cuales 170 mil
están inscritas, es decir, el 75 por ciento del total, mientras el otro 25 por ciento no cuenta con autorización.
Sobre el tema habló recientemente el presidente Rafael Correa, quien argumentó que existe un exceso de producción y una
pérdida de la calidad de la fruta.
"Uno de los problemas del mercado bananero es que tenemos cerca de 12 mil productores de banano (ningún país de
Latinoamérica tiene tantos) con pocos exportadores", enfatizó.
Julio Cruz, presidente de la Asociación de Productores Los Chirijos de Mariscal Sucre, consideró positiva la decisión de erradicar
las bananeras ilegales y dijo que es una demanda que data de varios años. Hace apenas unos días quedó resuelto el conflicto
entre exportadores y productores de banano en Ecuador, al establecerse el precio de la caja de la fruta de 41,5 libras en 6 dólares,
50 centavos más de lo establecido anteriormente, mientras se anunció que la caja de 43 libras costará 6,22 libras.
Esa situación habría derivado de la sobreproducción y, según los exportadores, de la crisis en Europa, uno de los principales
consumidores del cultivo.
En la actualidad se trabaja en un sistema de créditos subsidiados para la compra de fertilizantes, insumos, movilización de
cosechas, siembras y fumigaciones de las plantaciones bananeras, con lo cual se busca la protección de este rubro económico.
Además, entrarán en vigor medidas para agrupar a pequeños productores y facilitar la importación de los insumos necesarios a fin
de abaratar los costos de producción y la rentabilidad.
En julio pasado representantes del sector bananero en Ecuador denunciaron el irrespeto del precio oficial de la caja del plátano, ya
que recibían solo 1.50 dólares de los 5.50 dólares establecidos.
Entre las causas de la crisis mencionaron entonces la cotización ilícita de la cosecha y la suspensión de los cupos de compra
semanales de la fruta.
Ello obligó al Gobierno a decretar la emergencia del sector y adquirir la cosecha de los pequeños productores para evitar su
colapso.
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Productores de banana abandonaron la mesa de diálogo
Reclaman un tope a las importaciones de la fruta, proveniente de varios países de Latinoamérica.
17 Diciembre 2012 | 12:10
La usencia de respuesta a los reclamos históricos que son cupo a la importación de bananas; mercado para la comercialización
que incluya la compra de instituciones públicas en todo el país; barrera fitosanitaria para la
Región NEA y la instalación de una fabrica procesadora de frutas en nuestra localidad para dar
valor agregado a la banana, fueron las razones concretas que los productores exhibieron para
adoptar la determinación de alejarse del espacio de dialogo que mantenían con el Gobierno de la
provincia de Formosa.
"Luego de 18 meses de haberse constituido la Mesa Bananera, como consecuencia de una
medida de fuerza que hemos realizado en el paso fronterizo San Ignacio de Loyola, nos vemos obligados a poner limite al tiempo
de espera para las respuestas a nuestros reiterados pedidos de gestiones, antes los organismos nacionales que correspondan,
para lograr lo que nosotros consideramos la sustentabilidad y existencia de la producción bananera en Formosa", dijo en un
comunicado la entidad que lideran Eliodoro Lezcano y Pánfilo Ayala.
"Nuevamente en este año la acción del estado provincial giró en torno a planes de asistencialismo para el sector bananero con
mucha propaganda oficial, cuando en realidad la ayuda es insuficiente para solucionar el problema de fondo. Lo que nosotros
pretendemos son políticas con fines de desarrollo para el sector; deseamos vender nuestra producción en nuestro país a precios
justos", amplió.
"Si bien es cierto que en el caso de la asistencia en compensación por bajos precios, fue útil para los que tuvieron la suerte de
comercializar buen porcentaje de su producción, también hacemos mención a la medida recientemente aplicada a través de
entregas de fertilizantes en escasa cantidad y a destiempo, consistente en cuatro bolsas para una sola aplicación para una
hectárea de cultivo por productor, a través de un listado de bananeros confeccionado por la nueva mesa técnica interinstitucional
creada por el Gobierno provincial", indicó.
"Expresamos que con estos modelos de asistencias aplicadas en los últimos años, difícilmente podrá garantizarse el futuro de la
producción bananera en Formosa; pero a pesar de todo esto seguiremos firmes en la lucha por los reclamos realizados para
defender nuestra existencia", anticiparon Lezcano y Ayala.
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15/DIC
Nuevo precio de caja no contenta a bananeros
El presidente de la Asociación de Exportadores de Banano del Ecuador (Aebe), Eduardo Ledesma, consideró que
el incremento de 50 centavos de dólar al precio oficial de sustentación de la caja de banano provocará una caída
en la venta de la fruta. El jueves se decretó el incremento en Quito y pasó de 5,50 a 6 dólares.
Ledesma cree que Ecuador podría quedar al margen del resto de países productores como Colombia y Costa Rica.
"Esto es una locura porque saca de competitividad y del mercado al banano ecuatoriano.
Indica que esto dificultará la venta de la producción en los mercados internacionales, especialmente, Europa y
EE.UU. Apuntó que la fruta va a esos mercados con 20% de aranceles, mientras Colombia ingresa con cero por los
acuerdos comerciales con esos países.
"Los grandes productores tienen un costo que no supera los 4 dólares", indicó e insistió en que la medida tiene tintes políticos
porque beneficia a los pequeños que venden a empresas "fantasmas".
Los Ríos
En la provincia fluminense los bananeros no se levantaron ayer de buen ánimo. Marco Cortés Villalba, mediano productor de la
zona nortem y exalcalde de Quevedo, manifestó que a pretexto de que ha subido la caja de banano, se dispararán los costos de
insumos, fertilizantes, fungicidas, insecticidas, entre otros químicos utilizados en las bananeras.
Agregó que es importante que los 6 dólares se paguen durante las 52 semanas, pero lamentablemente a través de la experiencia
y de la historia solo suelen pagar el precio oficial las primeras 22 semanas. “Muchas compañías no cumplen con los contratos
entre productor y exportador, estas bajan los precios fuera de lo normal, lo cual ocasiona inmensas pérdidas al productor y al
trabajador”, explicó Marco Cortés.
También añadió que si no hay un buen ingreso no se puede pagar el seguro social a los trabajadores, no hay una buena
alimentación y no hay cómo dar mejores salarios.
Este mediano productor cree que el Gobierno debe crear un plan de ayuda dando asistencia técnica, permitiendo la exportación a
través de la asociación de agricultores y no cobrando impuestos con el empleo de insumos.
Cortés finalizó diciendo que el valor de la caja de banano no cumple las expectativas porque los costos de producción se han
elevado más que todo por los impuestos.
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13/12
Muelle C: Construcción del nuevo puesto de atraque multipropósito finalizará al término del año 2013
(Montevideo) Así lo informó el director de la Administración Nacional de Puertos (ANP), Alberto Díaz y detalló que exigirá una
inversión de 80 millones de dólares. Entre otras ventajas, permitirá reducir el tiempo de espera de los buques pesqueros,
graneleros y de contenedores y facilitará la operativa de los cruceros en el Puerto de Montevideo.
El presidente de la República de Uruguay, José Mujica; el canciller Luis Almagro; el director de la Administración Nacional de
Puertos (ANP) Alberto Díaz y el director nacional de Aduanas Enrique Canon, entre otros integrantes de la comunidad portuaria,
participaron de la presentación del avance de obras en el Muelle C” del Puerto de Montevideo.
El proyecto consiste en la construcción de un nuevo puesto de atraque multipropósito que responde a la necesidad de ampliar la
cantidad de metros lineales de atraque a fin de disminuir el factor de ocupación de los muelles y aumentar la operativa portuaria.
Cuando finalicen las obras, a fines de 2013, podrán atracar en este nuevo muelle la mayoría de los buques que hoy operan en el
Puerto de Montevideo, pesqueros, graneleros, transportadores de contenedores y cruceros.
El Muelle C” comprenderá una plataforma de hormigón de 330 metros de longitud y 33 metros de ancho, sustentada por una
estructura de hormigón armado integrada por 228 pilotes de gran diámetro. Además, tendrá una explanada de respaldo de
aproximadamente 3.5 hectáreas con sus correspondientes instalaciones auxiliares. Complementa la obra una dársena para
maniobras de buques con una profundidad de 10.5 metros.
Díaz expresó que la obra que demandó 80 millones de dólares, “permitirá mejores opciones para atender a los buques que hoy
ingresan al Puerto de Montevideo y evitar el tiempo de espera de los barcos”.
Al hacer uso de la palabra, un representante de la contratista “Soletanche Bachy France-Saceem-Dredging Internacional N.V.”,
describió que “ahora, la dársena tiene una profundidad de 10.5 metros. Fueron dragados 2.3 millones de metros cúbicos de
material que se dispusieron acorde a las más rigurosas ecuaciones medioambientales”.
Agregó que “se colocaron 90.000 metros cúbicos de roca para construir el terraplén que limitará la futura plataforma. Además,
220.000 metros cúbicos de arena de alta calidad serán necesarios para construir la explanada detrás del Muelle C, al tiempo que
15.000 metros cúbicos de hormigón serán producidos en el sitio para la construcción de la explanada”.
MAñANA LO VEO
13/DIC
Pedirán a EPN replantear “Corredor Transístmico”
Autoridades de Veracruz y Oaxaca buscarán replantear al gobierno de Enrique Peña Nieto el proyecto del corredor Transístmico
entre Coatzacoalcos y Salina Cruz para competir con el Canal de Panamá, que enlaza comercialmente por la vía marítima a
Europa y Asia, mismo que de concretarse podría ser el detonador para convertir a México a corto plazo entre las primeras
economías de Latinoamérica.
El alcalde de Coatzacoalcos, Marcos Theurel Cotero, afirmó que existe interés por parte de los gobernadores de Veracruz, Javier
Duarte de Ochoa, y de Oaxaca, Gabino Cué Monteagudo, así como del alcalde de Salina Cruz, Gerardo García Henestroza,
quienes han comprometido su apoyo en la gestión de consolidar el añejo proyecto que data desde el gobierno de Porfirio Díaz y
que en las actuales condiciones políticas y económicas podía tener alta rentabilidad.
Incluso los tres funcionarios han confirmado su asistencia a la presentación de su libro en breve en la capital del país "El Corredor
Transístmico Hoy. Una oportunidad histórica" en la que los gobernadores de Veracruz y Oaxaca y el alcalde de Salina Cruz,
Oaxaca comparten sus puntos de vista.
En el compendio del libro del alcalde de Coatzacoalcos, ingeniero civil de profesión, Premio Nacional de Ciencias del CONACYT y
Premio Nacional Obras Cemex por Infraestructura, con más de 10 años de servicio público, ex secretario de Comunicaciones de
Veracruz y ex responsable del Proyecto Logístico del Istmo de Tehuantepec, presenta una propuesta de la viabilidad del proyecto
con sus aspectos técnicos, económicos y macropolíticos del Corredor Transístmico.
Asimismo, plantea la urgencia de los grandes consorcios navieros de romper con la hegemonía y monopolio del Canal de Panamá
debido a los altos costos de los fletes y estadías de embarcaciones y el caso del corredor Transístmico sería una gran opción que
acortaría distancias hacia Europa, Asia y Estados Unidos.
Destaca que el "Corredor Transítmico Hoy" es una propuesta concreta y clara que sustentan cómo México se puede situar en el
punto central de la actividad económica más rentable y de mayor crecimiento del planeta, el comercio global y debe ser parte de la
nueva agenda nacional como el proyecto de infraestructura de mayor aporte al país en este nuevo sexenio.
13/12
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Exportaciones agrarias a la UE crecerán en US$ 500 millones
La ratificación del acuerdo comercial suscrito por el Perú con la Unión Europea (UE), alcanzada por unanimidad en el Congreso,
permitirá al país andino incrementar sus exportaciones agrarias a Europa en alrededor de US$ 500 millones en el mediano plazo,
estimó el Ministerio de Agricultura.
Según los especialistas de la Dirección General de Competitividad Agraria que participaron en la negociación del acuerdo, el
sector agrario será favorecido con la colocación de una mayor cantidad de productos, los que ampliarán las exportaciones
agropecuarias de casi US$ 2.000 millones (registrados en el 2011) hasta los US$ 2.500 millones, en los próximos cinco años.
Eliminación de arancelesDe acuerdo con el tratado, cuando este entre en vigencia ?en febrero próximo? la UE eliminará sus
aranceles para el Perú de manera inmediata al 77% de sus líneas arancelarias, lo que equivale al 98% de las exportaciones
agropecuarias a Europa. Los artículos de mayor interés comercial para el Perú en el acceso a ese mercado son el café, paltas
frescas, espárragos en sus diversas presentaciones, uvas frescas, alcachofas en conserva, mango fresco, pimiento piquillo, cacao
y sus derivados, páprika, mandarina, jugo de maracuyá, castañas, naranjas, quinua, papa elaborada, té, cebada, entre otros.
Los aranceles para el resto de productos se eliminarán en plazos que varían entre los 3 y 10 años y, en algunos casos, con cuotas
abiertas o cerradas.
Mayor acceso al banano
Uno de los principales productos exportables es el banano, cuyo acceso al mercado europeo tiene hoy un arancel de 176 euros
(US$ 229,95) por tonelada, lo cual encarece los envíos peruanos frente a los de proveedores (antes colonias) del África y el
Caribe, que no pagan estos aranceles.
Pese a la crisis, la UE es un mercado atractivo de más de 500 millones de consumidores que tienen un ingreso per cápita de US$
35.000 anuales.
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Dole Food Company Exec, 90, Discusses His Inspiration For Health And Longevity
Institute
— One of the wealthiest men in the world is also one of the healthiest.
David Murdock, 90, heads up Dole Food Company and does business in 96 countries
around the world, along with running the California Health and Longevity Institute.
The health center, nestled inside his luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village,
incorporates medical health, nutrition, fitness and life balance. An on-site medical clinic
focuses on cutting-edge preventative medicine.
“I have some of the best doctors that possibly exist in the world today right here,” Murdock
said.
The mogul said passing on his message of health living is his top priority, motivated by his
wife, Gabriele’s, battle with cancer.
“My wife died of cancer. I tried to keep her alive for two years and tried to solve what it was,” he said.
Murdock is on a mission to give back by helping to try and rid cancer and other diseases by using preventive measures through
proper nutrition.
“I eat the skins of almost every fruit and vegetable because everything the sun touches in the garden is what has the greatest
amount of nutrients,” the Dole chairman said.
Murdock, who grew up poor and suffered from dyslexia, turned a limited education into a mind of knowledge, and has written books
such as the Encyclopedia of Foods and The Dole Nutrition Handbook.
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Adult fruit juice drinks Del Monte Occasions to debut in UK
Fresh Del Monte Produce, is to launch a new range of fruit-based drinks from The Gerber Juice
Company - Del Monte Occasions - targeted at adults in the UK.
Developed for consumers looking to cut down alcohol consumption, Del Monte Occasions can be
served with ice or blended with alcohol for easy to mix special drinks.
The company said that the new drinks range, priced at £1.99, is inspired by Pineapple Mojito, Spicy
Tomato, Fruit Cup and a new blend named Orchard Zest.
Del Monte UK commercial director Tony Gill said: "The new Occasions juice range provides nondrinkers with something a bit more special than standard soft drinks. The product is so versatile that it
can also be served with alcohol, making it ideal as an easy to make cocktail or high ball."
Del Monte Occasions will be introduced in supermarkets beginning with Tesco in January 2013. The company plans to expand Del
Monte Occasions with seasonally inspired flavors next year.
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There’s a Container Behind it All
Containers make a difference to billions of people around the world, but how can these building blocks of global trade be improved?
And how can they help offset future energy cost increases?
Find one answer in Maersk Container Industry’s movie now available to employees and the general public. Containers must endure
harsh environments from arctic cold to tropical heat, and the film depicts crash tests where MCI seeks to ensure its containers
stand up to the harshest of handling.
The film is made by Copenhagen Film Company, which has so far won 14 international awards for its “We are Maersk” series,
including a gold medal at Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards.
MCI’s documentary-style movie goes to the crux of world trade.
“It was a fun movie to make because a container is not just a box. For example, it is exciting to discover what it really takes to bring
a banana to a supermarket,” says Rene Strandbygaard, photographer and partner in Copenhagen Film Company.
You can find English, Spanish and Chinese versions of the movie at www.mcicontainers.com.
Facts:
-An MCI reefer container is 20 times more energy efficient than a regular household refrigerator. MCI’s Star Cool Integrated Front
containers are currently the world’s most energy-efficient, according to comparative tests performed by MCI customers.
-MCI has 6,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Tinglev, Denmark, home to global sales and R&D. Production takes
place at factories in Qingdao and Dongguan in China, and by late 2013 in San Antonio, Chile.
-In 2011, MCI constructed 41,000 reefer containers, 37,000 reefer machines and 200,000 TEU dry containers. In 2011, MCI
revenue was USD 1.2bn (2010: USD 0.7bn). Profit was USD 69m (2010: USD 41m), and ROIC 33.1% (2010: 20.6%).
-MCI is a business unit in the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group.
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Maersk Container Industry boosts cooperation with ASOEX to curb food waste
With a new memorandum of understanding, Maersk Container Industry (MCI) and the Chilean fruit exporters association, ASOEX,
will bolster their cooperation to ensure that more food makes it from farm to fork.
“Good food should always move all the way from farm to fork,” said Peter K Nymand, chief executive officer of the MCI Group. “Our
ambition is to unleash Chile’s export potential and avoid waste of food.”
Input from Chilean exporters will help MCI design even better reefers, while MCI’s expertise will help ASOEX members make the
best use of new hi-tech reefer containers soon built in Chile.
Food waste is not a problem especially linked to exports from Chile. A study from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) has concluded that in Europe nearly 50% of all fresh produce never makes it to the plate. Transportation time is
just one of many reasons why food goes to waste worldwide.
“The world cannot afford this, and we have technologies that can help out,” said Nymand. “For example, if you learn to control the
atmosphere inside a container, you will be able to ship fresh fruit and produce longer and farther than before.”
Ronald Bown, president of ASOEX, said, “It is not easy to keep fruit at optimal conditions during transportation, so we hope to
contribute with our technical and operational knowledge.”
MCI is on schedule to build a new $170 million reefer factory in San Antonio, Chile. This means new technology and energy
efficient reefers will be available to exporters along the West Coast of South America in early 2014. The company already has a
reefer plant in Qingdao, China.
The container manufacturing arm of the A P Moller–Maersk Group, MCI has about 6,000 employees worldwide with research and
development and sales based at group headquarters in Tinglev, Denmark. Production takes place at factories in Qingdao and
Dongguan, China—and by 2014 in San Antonio, Chile.
In 2011, MCI constructed 41,000 reefer containers and 37,000 reefer units. Visit www.maerskbox.com to learn more.
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TN Bananas May Go Global Soon
14 December 2012
Chennai: The state government and the Confederation of Indian Industry were planning to make Tamil Nadu bananas a global
brand on the lines of Florida oranges and Australian kiwi fruits. They conducted a feasibility study to strengthen the integrated cold
chain for banana and create brand equity for the fruit. B Thiagarajan, convener of Agriculture and Food Processing Panel, CII and
Purushothaman Ravichandran, chairman of CII-Tamil Nadu Banana Festival, said that as part of this initiative, the first edition of the
two-day ‘CII Tamil Nadu Banana Festival 2012’ would be held at the Chennai Trade Centre from December 21. He said the
initiative by the state horticulture department, along with CII, was also to convert farmers into entrepreneurs, besides creating a
brand for bananas from the state. The state produced 32 varieties of bananas and people outside the state were unaware of the
brands due to lack of marketing. Thiagarajan said that Tamil Nadu produced 28 per cent of total bananas in the country and a total
of `6,000 crore worth bananas were wasted. The need of the hour was to have supply chains across the state and also make the
farmer a stakeholder in promoting the brand. He also highlighted that the biggest issue was to bridge the corporate sectorfarmer
trust deficit and CII was working on ways to strengthen the supply chain. The study zeroed in on six model locations, including
Erode, Coimbatore, Thoothkudi, Theni-Madurai belt, Tiruchy and Tiruvannamalai. Thiagarajan said this was part of the Vision 2023
initiative outlined by CM J Jayalalithaa where she stressed on a `11,000-crore initiative to boost infrastructure of the state by setting
up cold chains.
21 December 2012
Siem Shipping closes at 26.6% above VWP
Siem Shipping Inc. (SSI.OL), Norway"s 7th largest transport-marine company by market capitalisation, closed unchanged at
NOK65.0. The price is at a premium of 26.6% to the 1-month volume weighted average price of NOK51.35. In the past year the
premium has been greater than 26.6% just once, suggesting a topish level and cautious buying at the current price. Compared with
the Oslobors Benchmark Index, which rose 1.0 points (or 0.2%) on the day, this was a relative price change of -0.2%.
18 December 2012
Somalia Aims to Resume Banana Exports
Somalia has taken another step towards resuming export of high-quality bananas following the announcement of the setting up of
an export company last weekend (December 16th) in Mogadishu.
Following the expulsion of Al-Shabaab from the city, Somalia's diaspora community has been a primary driver of growth for
Mogadishu's new property and investment boom. Sheikh Osman, the Head of Fruit Som, has announced it plans to form an
umbrella for Somali banana to meet foreign market demands.
The company says it hopes to work with hundreds of small farmers to grow and pick the fruit, and ensure they meet foreign
markets' requirements. Before the collapse of the central government in 1991, Somalia had a high reputation for its high-quality
bananas, and it was the largest exporter of bananas in East Africa to the Middle East and EU markets. According to recent surveys,
the Somali banana is still preferred in places such as the United Arab Emirates and Iran. At peak of production, bananas were
grown on about 12,000 hectares of land and employed over a hundred thousand people. Currently production is grown on no more
than 3,000 hectares for local consumption.
Banana Export Company Launched in Mogadishu
In a further sign of return of hope and booming trade in a city not long time dubbed the world's most dangerous city, a banana
export company has been launched in Mogadishu Somalia's capital city today.
The founders of the new company, Fruit Som say that their plan is to be an umbrella for all Somali farmers so that it can export
Somalia's banana to the outside world.
Sheikh Osman, chairman of Fruit Som company who spoke at the launching ceremony of the company said that the company
would bring all Somali farmers particularly those who grow banana under one umbrella.
Shiekh Ali wajis, who is a member of the group founding this new company also spoke there, telling Somalia lacked such business
activity for a long time.
Somalia grows bananas but the production and export of the banana which was earning hard currency for the Somali economy,
halted after the descended into wars and lawlessness.
Davao del Norte seeks nat'l gov't aid as 'Pablo' leaves P7.6-B worth of destruction
DAVAO DEL NORTE, Dec. 19 -- Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has sought the aid of the national government agencies with the
destruction of Typhoon "Pablo" in his province now pegged at P7.643 billion.
'The damage brought about by the typhoon is now estimated at P7.5 billion for crops and P143 million in infrastructures,' Del
Rosario said.
He said up to 15,000 hectares of farmland mostly banana-planted areas have been destroyed by the floods brought by the super
typhoon.
Despite being the least-affected by the typhoon among the three Davao provinces which include Compostela Valley and Davao
Oriental, Davao del Norte is still faced with the rebuilding phase as the debris are slowly being cleared.
Del Rosario has instructed all the provincial government department heads to ensure that their 2013 1st quarter budget be aligned
in the "effort to build back, and build back better".
He warned that the changing path of the country's typhoons is a 'big writing on the wall to adapt or perish.'
'Building better behooves us to introduce new technologies both in agriculture and infrastructure development; we don't just rebuild
them, we must make them resilient,' he said.
He also stressed the significance of innovation in terms of agriculture when it comes to supporting the larger economic
development of the country as a whole.
Today more than ever, he added, "we summon science and technology to hasten the rehabilitation of our damaged farmlands and
agricultural infrastructure."
Del Rosario urged the national government agencies to come to the province's rescue especially during the rehabilitation phase.
'We were not visible in the rescue and relief radar of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council these past
days so we had to brace Pablo all by ourselves using our available resources,' he said.
However, the governor said, they are hoping that the magnitude of damage will urge various national agencies concerned to come
to our aid in the rehabilitation phase of the disaster.Published by HT Syndication with permission from Philippines News Agency.
Compostela Valley banana plantations close; hundreds of ‘Pablo' victims jobless
20 December 2012
MONKAYO, Compostela Valley-Surviving victims of typhoon Pablo here face a bleak new year as the massive devastation also
ripped their jobs away. Among those left jobless is 45-year-old Rey Latras. Standing near a house with roofs and walls blown
away by the typhoon, Latras' face was gloomy as he revealed that banana farm workers like him, who made up the bulk residents
of Barangay (village) Babag, had also lost their jobs. The ComVal Tropical Fruit Inc., the banana company they had worked in,
has announced it was finally phasing out its plantation in the village because it has been badly wasted by the typhoon. Not a
single stalk of banana was left standing within the CTFI's 300-hectare plantation, which covers Babag and Barangay Naboc.
Babag Barangay Chairman Romeo Aquino said the typhoon came when the company thought it was about to gain control over the
Panama wilt disease that had brought about huge loses.
“Even before the typhoon, beleaguered by the Panama wilt disease, the company already laid off 176 of its workers,” Aquino said.
“The company also left unplanted some 100 hectares of land they believed was contaminated by the disease.” “So, for a while, we
thought we were doing well, until the typhoon came, gitiwasan (finished off),” he said. Only about an hour's drive from the main
highway, Babag, a community of banana farm workers, has 803 households (roughly 3,700 people). Aside from CTFI, other
banana plantations had also decided to shut down operation, although it was not clear if it would be permanent as well. In the
adjacent Compostela Plantation Inc.—operated by Japanese fruit grower Sumitomo Fruits—only a few people were left as
managers and other staff had made themselves scarce after typhoon Pablo's advent. “Workers are seeking them out after the
typhoon, but they have stopped coming,” Latras, who is also a purok leader, said. Bernadette Toledo, chief executive officer of the
Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies - Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (Mass-Specc), said the 1,000hectare banana plantation venture of one of their member-cooperatives in Davao del Norte suffered damage of more than 80
percent and that rehabilitating it would entail massive amount of money. In Davao City, the Pilipino Banana Growers and
Exporters' Association (PBGEA) placed the total damage to banana plantations in southern Mindanao at 14,732 hectares. “Almost
all banana plantations in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental were wiped out, rendering many people out of work,” PBGEA
president Alex Viloria said. “We are concerned by the economic displacement wrought by the typhoon,” Stephen Antig, also a
PBGEA official, said. Antig said most PBGEA members have been assessing the extent of the damage wrought by the typhoon on
their plantations and facilities to be able to come up with a road map to recovery. “It would cost banana companies P500,000 to
rehabilitate one hectare or maybe even higher as some of the plantations were totally wiped out, hence, had to start from scratch,”
Viloria said. Due to the projected cost of rehabilitation, the banana industry has appealed to the national government to make
available at least P7.5 billion to fund the recovery efforts, especially for small banana growers. “Their homes, their farms, totally
wiped out, but over and above it all, it's a total annihilation of their livelihood,” Viloria said. He said unlike in past calamities that
struck Compostela Valley, for example, plantation workers had nothing to turn to this time because even rice and corn farms had
been wiped out by typhoon Pablo. “Today in Compostela Valley, everything is gone,” Viloria said. Rehabilitating the damaged
banana plantations would not be as easy as it seemed because people have been struggling just to secure their daily meals, said
Viloria. “It takes eight to 10 months to rehabilitate the banana plantations, but the problem is how soon can small farmers start
rehabilitating? Since it still takes eight to 10 months, how can a small farmer sustain it? What will he eat while waiting for the plants
to rehabilitate?” he asked. Aquino said some residents have thought of planting corn as a temporary means to gain income
because unlike bananas—which would need 10 months to grow—corn could be harvested in just 105 days. Compostela Valley
Gov. Arturo Uy said that aside from plantation workers, the small-scale gold miners also suffered as a result of the typhoon.
“Rehabilitation (in this sector) could take several months so again, thousands would have no income,” he said. At least 100, 000
people are said to be working in mining sites in Compostela Valley and also in Davao Oriental—the areas hardest hit by the storm.
Uy said the government, through the Department of Agriculture, has planned to introduce the cultivation of corn and other quick
“cash crops” to help typhoon victims earn money while waiting for the full recovery of the banana, rice and mining industries.
Meanwhile, representatives of the World Food Programme and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
visited typhoon-ravaged communities in Davao Oriental on Wednesday. WFP country coordinator Stephen Anderson and Geoff
King, AusAID counselor, talked with typhoon victims in the towns of Cateel, Baganga and Boston to determine their needs and their
condition. They also met with Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon. Earlier, the Australian Embassy in Manila announced
that Canberra would be releasing additional support for the government's typhoon Pablo relief operations. Anderson said he and
King witnessed the ongoing relief operations in the towns. But Anderson admitted that more efforts should be done, especially in
the rehabilitation of all aspects of the typhoon victims' lives.—With a report from Frinston Lim, Inquirer Mindanao
Fire destroys banana corporation headquarters in St Lucia
18 December 2012
CASTRIES, St Lucia, 17 December, CMC - Hundreds of farmers were counting their losses Monday [17 December] after fire of
unknown origin gutted the headquarters of the St Lucia Banana Corporation (SLBC) in the capital.
Over 3,000 shareholders have been affected by the blaze which lit up the city as firemen fought for several hours to bring it under
control.
SLBC chairman Patrick Joseph said that the destruction of the office building, which had been placed in the hands of liquidators
and was up for sale, came as a shock to members of the farming community who have been patiently awaiting dividends from the
sale of the building.
"The poor farmers can't seem to get a change of fortune as their lot continues to decline. Here they are hoping to have gotten a
little something from the sale of the building, but now that it has been consumed by fire, we are now left to wonder what will become
of the plight of the shareholders/farmers.
"It's an ongoing thing whereby the system is draining whatever the famer has and using him to pay for it. I am just hurt that it is
happening to them again, on this occasion by a man made disaster," he said.
Joseph said that farmers had been inquiring about the pending sale of the building and the possibility of getting their shares before
the re-opening of the new school term in January
"But now it looks more bleak and hopeless for them," he said.
Source: Caribbean Media Corporation news agency website, Bridgetown, in English 2050 gmt 17 Dec 12
( Eco heaven ) Banana, retail price dropping
17 December 2012
The retail price of the banana (one kilogram) keeps dropping the price. The banana from the Philippines rises and the price rises by
30 percent because of the typhoon. The banana farm on the Philippines Mindanao island is covered. The Philippines accounts for
the amount of classification by countries of the banana import for the 94% by about 1 billion 6 thousand tons in total. Asia besides
Latin America is only 6%. The damage cost by the typhoon corresponds to 1/4 of the amount of the banana production of the
Mindanao island for about 16 billion yen. The doll has produced bananas for 45 years on the Mindanao island. It is exceptiona l that
the typhoon passes the Mindanao island at this time. [ comment ] Hiroyuki Ichikawa (Sankei super), Hiromi Ootaki (doll), and
Masaru Kubota (weather forecaster)
Hapag-Lloyd to hike rates on N America-Asia trade in Jan 2013
(SeeNews) - Dec 20, 2012 - German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd will apply general rate increases (GRIs) for dry and reefer
cargo moving from Canada and the USA to Eastern Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East, on January 15, 2013.
The GRI, announced last week, will be USD 160 (EUR 121) per twenty-foot dry container and USD 200 per forty foot dry container.
As for the reefer cargo, shippers will be charged an additional USD 1,200 per twenty-foot container and USD 1,500 per forty-foot
container.
Worried seafood exporters now hit by shipment charge surge
20 December 2012
The announcement of an increase in refrigerated (or reefer) container charges has been an unpleasant surprise for the already
troubled seafood export sector. Shipping companies have announced an increase of $1,500 for each such container from January
1, for all destinations; seafood is among the products covered.
Sources at leading shipping companies told Business Standard that refrigerated containers were almost four times as costly to
build as dry ones, with associated expenses putting pressure on cost.
All seafood cargo goes in reefer containers. According to a spokesperson of a Goa-based export house, those on the west coast —
particularly Mangalore, Goa, Ratnagiri, Mumbai and Gujarat -- will suffer more, as they were mostly dependent on lower-value fish
such as mackerel, sardines, reef cods, scads and so on.
This has come even as most exporters along the west coast face a severe problem on availability. The main fishing season has
reduced to barely six weeks in a year and overheads of every unit have doubled in the past three years, due to the rising cost of
labor, power and fuel, he said. On the east coast, the export is mainly of high-value items such as shrimp, and the volume shipped
is less compared to low-value items.
“Sardines might earn or lose ~50,000 on a 40 ft container. How can we bear an increase of $1,500, equivalent to ~83,000 in freight
charges?” said a source.
Potential merger of Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg Sud to create world's 4th biggest container carrier - report
(SeeNews) - Dec 19, 2012 - A potential merger of German shipping companies Hapag-Lloyd and Hamburg Sud would create the
world's fourth-largest container carrier and a major competitor on the South America trade, Shippingwatch reported Tuesday, citing
market analyst Lars Jensen.
Hapag-Lloyd currently ranks sixth among the shipping companies with a container market slice of 3.8%, while Hamburg Sud is 12th
with a 2.5% market share, according to industry researcher Alphaliner.
By comparison, the largest players in the segment -- Danish Maersk Line, part of AP Moller-Maersk A/S (CPH:MAERSK B), Swiss
Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC) and French CMA CGM, have market shares of 15.4%, 13.3% and 8.3%, respectively.
Hamburg Sud's order book includes 40% of the capacity the company currently utilises and it will receive a total of 10 ships with a
capacity of 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in 2013, thus challenging Maersk Line for the transportation of reefer cargo
on the South American trade.
Hapag-Lloyd transports cargo mainly on the Asia-Europe and the Transpacific trades, unlike Hamburg Sud which has no market
presence on these lanes and concentrates primarily on the regional trades.
Hapag-Lloyd owns about 150 box ships with a combined capacity of 675,273 TEU, and has on order seven 13,000-TEU vessels for
2013 and 2014.
Hamburg Sud has a fleet of 100 ships.
Hamburg Sud to launch direct liner service in January 2013
17 December 2012
Hamburg Sud Group, a provider of sea transportation services, has announced that it is launching a direct liner service between
North, Central and South America at the start of January 2013.
The company will deploy five vessels with a nominal slot capacity of 1,850 TEU, including reefer plugs. It replaces the current
Cartagena - California Service. The new service has the port rotation of Guayaquil - Balboa - Puerto Quetzal - Los Angeles Oakland - Manzanillo - Puerto Quetzal - Balboa - Paita - Guayaquil.
The first sailings will be from Guayaquil on January 4, 2013 and from Los Angeles on January 20, 2013 with the Cap Palliser.
The new service is integrated into the shipping group's worldwide liner network, with connections to Asia, the Caribbean, Europe
and US East Coast, the company said.
On the Water and at the Port
1 December 2012
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has projected a global population increase that would
consequently require raising food production by approximately 70 percent by 2050. With the population expected to grow by 2.3
billion people by 2050, the ability to effectively transport food is absolutely essential.
Some of the biggest challenges will be felt in the developing world, which is faced with sub-par infrastructure and high population
growth.
William Duggan, vice president of refrigerated services for Maersk Line, North America, states that there is an increasing market
growth in areas that have an emerging population, such as Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America.
“There’s been a lot of growth of refrigerated cargo moving to these areas,” says Duggan. “People want access to better quality food
for their family and that’s one of the things we see moving forward.” This trend implies that market demand for high quality food will
continue to excel.
Additionally, in Europe and the U.S., there is an ongoing move towards creating more sustainable reefer trade. Consumers want to
be sure they’re getting the healthiest food products available while the refrigerated transportation market seeks a greener footprint.
Another noticeable trend is the movement away from conventional breakbulk to the containerization of food shipments. Maersk
estimates that approximately 70 percent of refrigerated cargo is currently in containers. For example, in the banana trade, bananas
were moving primarily in breakbulk three to four years ago, but have now moved toward containers.
“The movement has switched to about 80 percent containers, 20 percent breakbulk, wherein the past it was 80 percent breakbulk,
20 percent containers,” says Duggan.
Lastly, reefer carriers are growing concerned that the financial feasibility in the refrigerated transport market is currently not being
realized—to the point where it’s no longer sustainable in some respects. In an effort to regain financial sustainability, carriers have
started the process of increasing their reefer rates.
Rising reefer rates
There are various factors surrounding the increase in reefer rates, one of which is energy costs. An increase in reefer rates is one
way to offset the current rise in fuel and electricity costs for both the carriers and refrigerated containers/equipment.
“The container itself is roughly three to four times more expensive than a dry container and the maintenance and repair of a
refrigerated container is also much higher,” says Vince Rankin, senior director of reefer trade for Scottsdale, Arizona-based APL
Logistics. “The container [either] requires electric power when it’s in the terminal, or on a ship it requires a generator, which burns
fuel when it’s being transported.”
Port congestion is another issue that has an indirect effect on reefer rates. Port congestion can be caused by numerous factors
such as bad weather, accidents, under-developed ports or a seasonal peak in volume. With ocean carriers focused on moving their
shipments to and from ports in a timely manner, the cost of operating their reefers therefore becomes much higher when delayed
due to port congestion.
In order to further alleviate port congestion and encourage growth in the reefer trade, many ports are undertaking projects to
expand both port and cold storage facilities.
Port, cold storage expansion
In October, the Port of Miami, known as the Cargo Gateway of the Americas, announced plans to deepen the port’s channel to 50
feet (15.24 meters). According to Port of Miami officials, the deeper channel is expected to double cargo traffic while creating
approximately 30,000 jobs in the process. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2013.
According to Janet Ramos, director of national accounts for Crowley Maritime Corporation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida:
“The Port of Miami and Port Everglades, along with other Florida ports, are currently working together to obtain authorization to
allow cold treatment-requiring cargo to come through the Florida ports. If this initiative is successful, it will effectively reduce the
transit time of many perishable products that presently have to go through other ports within the U.S. to obtain the required
treatment needed (cold treatment) before they’re allowed to move elsewhere. There is a definite movement in projects geared
toward cold chain, since it is such an important part of handling perishables.”
In addition, the Panama Canal expansion project will create a more efficient navigational route for carriers and shippers, facilitating
the transportation of higher volumes of cargo. The expansion project is likely to be finalized in April 2015.
Meanwhile Geneva, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) recently started weekly service between the Port
of Miami and ports located in Central America. The new route will connect the Port of Miami with: Puerto Santo Tomas De Castilla,
Guatemala; Puerto Cortes, Honduras; Freeport, Bahamas; and the Port of Jacksonville.
Crowley is opening a new cold storage facility in their Miami location called Crowley Fresh, which is designed to handle temporary
or overflow storage for fresh flowers, produce and seafood. The 24/7 facility is equipped with state-of-the-art cooling and monitoring
equipment that can be adjusted for various temperature requirements.
In addition to the new Crowley Fresh facility in Miami, “We also have a special USDA-approved cold chamber at Port Everglades
that allows us to manipulate cargo when needed for fumigation,” says Ramos. “We make these investments in equipment to ensure
our customers always get the best, and that their product remains fresh.”
For example, Crowley’s Highly Mobile Actionable Pest (HMAP) refrigerated chamber helps customers avoid having to re-export fruit
and vegetable goods due to pests.
In early November, the Port of Los Angeles announced a project to modernize one its primary container terminals, TraPac. The
terminal expansion will increase capacity from 900,000 TEUs to 2.4 million TEUs by 2025, and it also includes the production of a
new on-dock rail facility.
The improvements at TraPac will positively impact the global food supply chain. TraPac handles a variety of food on both the import
and export side.
“Recently, the terminal began to handle Australian and New Zealand lamb products coming into the U.S., in addition to the many
food products that routinely move through TraPac,” explains Phillip Sanfield, director of media relations at the Port of Los Angeles.
“So, having a more efficient terminal and on-dock rail will make the terminal more efficient and competitive. The terminal will also
have the capability to grow as demand increases with both imports and exports. This growth potential also helps the global food
logistics chain.”
A number of ports around the world are undertaking major expansion projects to handle growing volumes of international trade.
One example is China’s Yuanhai Automated Container Terminal, which will become the country’s first fully automated terminal. The
facility, which will be located at the Haicang Port in Xiamen province, will encompass a length of approximately 1,765 feet (538
meters) and a depth of 1,010.5 feet (308 meters). It will also boast zero emissions.
The terminal’s throughput is expected to range between 780,000 and 910,000 TEUs—a 20 percent improvement over the average
throughput at similar terminals.
The impact of rules and regulations
The growing number of food safety and traceability initiatives in the U.S. as well as foreign markets is also driving developments in
refrigerated transportation. Simply put, consumers want to know that their food is protected and state and federal governments are
responding.
At the beginning of January 2013, the latest requirements from the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Food Safety
Modernization Act (FSMA) will be phased in. Chief among those is the FSMA’s requirement that U.S. importers implement a foreign
supplier verification program to guarantee all imported food complies with U.S. food safety regulations.
According to Section 3 of the FSMA, each importer shall execute risk-based foreign supplier verification activities for the purpose of
verifying that the food imported by the importer is produced in compliance with the FSMA requirements and is not tainted or
misbranded. Verification activities also include periodic inspections.
It’s likely that increased inspections aimed at preventing the transportation of spoiled food products could result in additional costs
for exporters and importers, says Crowley’s Ramos.
During the China International Food Safety and Quality Conference and Expo held in early November, Michael R. Taylor, deputy
commissioner for the FDA, discussed the increased focus on safety standards for imported and exported food goods.
“We are developing new prevention standards and new inspection and compliance strategies,” he explained. “We are building an
entirely new import safety system. And we are forging new partnerships with our states, with foreign governments, and with
industry, academic and consumer stakeholders to foster and support widespread implementation of modern food safety practices.”
Protecting food in transit
The latest products and services for cold chain shippers help protect food shipments from the point of origin all the way to the
grocery shelf, whether the products are frozen, like seafood, or fresh fruits and vegetables.
Menlo Park, California-based Purfresh looks to reduce food waste while improving the food quality in the supply chain. Their
solutions protect the quality of fruits and vegetables without the use of chemicals.
“Consumers expect fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, regardless of growing season,” says Dr. Brian Westcott, president and
CEO of Purfresh. “Purfresh is unique in that it is the only technology proven effective to minimize decay, control ripening, and
enhance food safety without the use of chemicals.”
Purfresh’s solutions are targeted at protecting decay-prone or ethylene-sensitive produce during ocean transport, adds Westcott.
Certified and approved by the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Purfresh generates ozone to help control
airborne microorganisms and increase the shelf life of the product.
In addition, the company’s Intellipur solution provides a comprehensive look into the supply chain. “Intellipur provides role-based,
real time atmospheric conditions inside the reefer, location data, automatic alerts and detailed trip report,” says Westcott. “When
unexpected conditions occur, such as changes in the temperature, relative humidity, oxygen, carbon dioxide [or] ozone, users
automatically receive an alert sent to their computer or smartphone.”
One customer, Uruguay-based Adano Fruit, protects their blueberries and mandarins from shriveling and producing mold during the
ocean voyage from Uruguay to North America, Asia, and Europe.
“Purfresh allows us to reach destinations with confidence that the high quality standards of our products will be maintained when
the fruit reaches our customers,” said Alejandro Adano, director of Adano Fruit, in a press release. “Our customers are thrilled with
the arrivals, and we will continue to utilize Purfresh for future shipments.”
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), Hong Kong also offers solutions to help trace and protect frozen commodities. Their
tracking and tracing solution, My OOCL Reefer, provides more than just the location of the shipment.
My OOCL Reefer allows a customer to track the temperature and the humidity inside the container via computer, tablet or
smartphone, says Frankie Lau, director of media and regulatory for OOCL.
OOCL’s Advanced Fresh Air Management Plus (AFAM+) container solution, developed by Thermo King, slows down the aging
process of products while reducing the water loss and shrinkage of the commodities and is designed primarily for perishable goods.
Meanwhile, the Ultra-Cool Magnum container solution is designed for deep-freeze goods. The Ultra-Cool Magnum containers are
capable of reaching temperatures as low as -31 F (-35 C).
APL offers a satellite tracking device that gives customers visibility via APL’s website, called SMARTemp. SMARTemp offers a real
time look into the supply chain by providing shippers with the exact position of the container along with temperature information.
Shippers can also export and archive container data.
Furthermore, APL offers a cold treatment process for reefer containers to control insects, specifically the Mediterranean and certain
other fruit flies and larvae. The process is environmentally safe and helps eliminate the need to use insecticides.
Managing the Cold Chain
1 December 2012
Cold chain management is critical to today’s food supply chain, which is increasingly made up of fresh and frozen products carried
further distances. Not surprisingly, there are more costs involved with refrigerated transportation. However, the good news is that
equipment manufacturers and logistics providers are introducing more advanced products and services that result in better
efficiency and integrity throughout the cold chain.
Really cool equipment
ArcticStore, a brand of Denmark-based TITAN Containers A/S, specializes in portable temperature-controlled storage containers
and cold rooms. There are many storage and cold chain applications for ArcticStore’s units, including easy and quick on-site
storage capacity at supermarkets, outlets, distribution centers and production facilities for a wide range of fresh or processed food
products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and many other products. Other uses include events (ArcticStore containers were used
during the 2012 London Olympics), emergency deployment (in the case of breakdowns or unexpected demand) and specific
customer applications (a university uses the containers to store samples collected from Antarctica).
The ArcticStore container comes in standard sizes of 10, 20 or 40 feet. In addition, the company’s SuperStores units are designed
and built to be placed next to one another to create larger multi-pallet-wide single temperature zones. Both models come equipped
with standard features such as high insulation values, hygienic interiors, accurate and reliable controls, temperature zones that
range from -40 C to +60 C, flat floors, easy opening double doors with internal release, personnel alarm, and internal lighting. The
ArcticStore containers’ advanced cooling technology helps reduce energy costs required to operate the units by more than 50
percent in many cases.
During the IFDA (International Foodservice Distributors Association) show in October, Thermo King, a brand of Ingersoll Rand,
unveiled its Precedent S-600M trailer refrigeration unit, described as the most environmentally sensitive diesel trailer temperature
control system for multi-temperature operations. The S-600M is designed to meet both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements in the greater-than-25 horsepower category, which include a 90
percent reduction in particulate matter and a 30 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide from the interim standards that have been in
effect since 2008.
“We designed the Precedent S600-M to offer standard, rather than optimal, sustainability improvements especially for the multitemperature needs of the food distribution and grocery industries in response to customer requests for a solution that reflects their
commitment to environmental stewardship,” says Tom Kampf, trailer product manager for Thermo King.
Klinge Corporation, with headquarters and manufacturing facilities in York, Pennsylvania, is a leading provider of specialized reefer
and power generation equipment. They target commercial and military customers with custom-designed equipment that exceeds
general purpose reefer equipment. Klinge Corporation’s NMF-371 freezer unit is tailored for ocean shipments of ultra-low
temperature cargo in the range of zero Celsius to 60 C. Its freezer unit is nose mounted to the container to allow for the use of an
integral generator set in case of power loss at the seaport or during inland transport or storage. This feature makes ocean transport
of ultra-low temperature cargo extremely safe and reliable.
“In addition to back-up power, customers transporting valuable cargo in our NMF-371 freezer unit are given added peace of mind
through our satellite communication program,” remarks Henrik Klinge, the company’s president. “Amperages and pressures are
measured, viewed and transferred to GSM modem and transmitted via satellite. This functionality allows customers to use their
smartphone to text their unit.”
The new design also allows for easier servicing when on board the vessel because all of the components can be accessed and
repaired from the front of the container, including evaporator fans, temperature probes, compressors and condenser fans.
In early November, Carrier Transicold released its new Supra 60 series truck refrigeration units that boast improved refrigeration
performance, enhanced reliability and compliance with the EPA’s 2013 emissions requirements. The new Supra 60 series units are
available in five single temperature models, which cover the full spectrum of straight truck refrigeration needs, with refrigeration
capacities up to 32,000 BTUs (at 35 F).
“Supra diesel-powered truck units have a long-standing reputation for providing high performance and reliability by using systems
engineered for lower engine and compressor RPMs than competitive models,” remarks David Dunn, product manager, truck
products, Carrier Transicold. “Lower speeds mean better durability, longevity and reliability over the life of the unit. Our new 60
series continues to build upon that legacy.”
Utility Trailer offers two refrigerated trailer models, the 3000R and 3000R Multi-Temp refrigerated trailers. Recently, the company
completed an expansion project at its Marion, Virginia reefer manufacturing plant, which included acquisition of over 100 acres of
property adjacent to the facility to accommodate additional parking for up to 1,400 trailers. The new 50,000 square-foot modification
center will be used for production of high option and complex refrigerated trailers. Utility Trailer has a second reefer trailer
manufacturing facility in Clearfield, Utah.
After seven years of intensive in-house and real world testing, Great Dane Trailers’ patented ThermoGuard refrigerated trailer liner
has chalked up some impressive results. Specifically, fuel savings for a ThermoGuard-equipped trailer over the seven-year period
average close to 1,000 gallons for typical reefer operations (excluding produce).
Rick Mullininx, executive vice president of engineering at Great Dane, notes that, “Our test data shows that most every refrigerated
trailer owner can recoup the cost of the ThermoGuard liner in the first few years of operation through lower cooling unit fuel costs.
After that break-even point, owners can pocket the additional savings for the remaining life of the trailer, while realizing other
benefits such as reduced maintenance costs and higher resale value.”
ThermoGuard is an impact-resistant, glass-reinforced thermoplastic liner made exclusively for use as original equipment on Great
Dane’s refrigerated trailers. As part of its lightweight composite construction, the liners feature a proprietary metal barrier layer that
help seal the trailer’s insulation from out-gassing and water absorption. Beginning in 2013, Great Dane will also include
ThermoGuard on the trailer subpan to help keep moisture from entering the subfloor. Ocean carrier Maersk Lines also uses
ThermoGuard for its marine reefer units.
Fuel savings and sustainability are also the goals behind Ryder’s RydeGreen product line of tractors and trailers, which are
designed to lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. One of the vehicles in the RydeGreen program is the Durastar
Hybrid from International, the first line-produced hybrid commercial truck in North America. The Durastar is designed for mediumduty, in-city use, particularly for beverage distribution, refrigerated food distribution, package pick-up and delivery, local and
regional government transportation functions and utility boom work.
Ryder is qualified as an EPA SmartWay partner for both its Ryder-owned vehicles and its supply chain operations.
A positive outlook for the sector
Overall, the outlook for reefer manufacturers appears positive. During a third quarter earnings call on November 1, Dick Giromini,
CEO of Wabash National, commented that he expects demand to “remain at strong levels for an extended period, driven by an
excessively aged fleet, unprecedented pent-up demand following recession, regulatory drivers including CSA, hours-of-service and
CARB, and a stable, but still growing economic demand environment that has continued to drive year-over-year truck tonnage
growth.”
Analysts for IBISWorld expect similar results. In its recent industry report entitled “Long-Distance Refrigerated Trucking,” the
research firm stated: “In the five years to 2017, the industry is expected to benefit from the recovering economy, with higher
volumes of temperature-sensitive goods needing to be transported. Traded goods, demand from fruit and vegetable wholesaling
and demand from meat, beef and poultry processing are forecast to increase. During this time, IBISWorld projects that industry
revenue will increase, however growth will likely be hampered by competition and regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration’s (FMCSA) hours-of-service driver requirements will increase on-duty non-driving time and will slightly cut into
industry productivity. Competition from rail transportation and recent infrastructure improvements in that industry will put pressure
on industry operators in the next five years.”
Cavotec wins shore power equipment orders at Port of Los Angeles
17 December 2012
Global engineering group Cavotec has won substantial multiple orders for its innovative Alternative Maritime Power shore-to-ship
electrical power systems at the Port of Los Angeles.
These projects follow several orders for similar systems throughout California.
‘These orders are the latest in a collaboration with local partners and POLA that spans many years, and underlines Cavotec’s role
as an established supplier of shore power equipment in the US and globally,’ says Rob Thompson, West Coast Manager Cavotec
USA Inc.
Cavotec will supply a large number of ‘Easy Lift’ Access Covers and Shore Power Outlet Connection boxes for four separate
container terminals at the Port. These orders include equipment for POLA berths 228, 401-406, 100-102, 121-128 and 212-216.
Cavotec’s innovative ‘Easy Lift’ Access Covers are safer for personnel to operate than many existing alternatives. An example of
the cross-implementation of technology between Cavotec Market Units, these systems were first developed for use at airports and
other aviation related applications. The units avoid operator stress and injury by reducing lift weights to a minimum. They are built
into the quayside to enable vessels to connect to grid-generated electrical power quickly and easily.
‘These, and other shore power projects on which we are currently working, are a reminder of the growing trend, especially in the
US and Europe, towards tighter legislation regulating emissions at ports. We continue to work closely with our partners to ensure
that ports meet their environmental targets,’ Thompson adds.
Cavotec AMP systems enable vessels to switch off their engines while docked and to connect to shore side electricity. Services
such as power supply for reefer containers, lighting, heating, food preparation and cargo handling are then run directly from the
port.
Switching off ships’ engines and connecting to grid-generated electricity reduces fuel consumption and dramatically cuts particulate
matter emissions, thus helping improve air quality in ports and surrounding communities.
Cavotec engineers and naval architects have pioneered several AMP solutions including ship-based systems housed in shipping
containers, land-based vault versions and mobile units. The Group’s shore power systems are increasingly widely used at ports on
the US west coast, as well as in Canada, Europe and the Far East. The first Cavotec AMP system became operational in Sweden
in 1984.
Banana firms mull abandoning typhoon-damaged plantations
DAVAO CITY - Banana companies are unsure if plantations destroyed by typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley should be revived.
"So far we are still making plans on how to revive the industry (in these areas) or whether the industry (in Compostela Valley) must
still be revived," Stephen A. Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, told
BusinessWorld on Tuesday.
He said the losses were "very heavy" that there are some companies that wanted to abandon their farms in areas hit by the
typhoon two weeks ago. The association earlier reported that losses could reach P8 billion with about P5.7 billion in crop losses.
Based on estimates of the association, the typhoon affected about 150,000 farm workers and employees who are either directly or
indirectly dependent on the industry.
In a national television interview on Monday, banana industry leaders expressed apprehension over shift in the weather since
typhoons normally do not pass Compostela Valley.
Replanting would be useless if strong typhoons would damage the crops in the province repeatedly, an industry spokesperson
noted.
In his visit to the city three days after Typhoon Pablo hit the region, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the Land Bank of the
Philippines will open a lending window for banana growers.
But information relayed by industry sources noted the lending window could only provide about P2.1 billion in loans, a small fraction
of the damage estimate.
Mr. Antig said the assistance from the government would have to be massive considering that earlier estimates indicated about
10,000 hectares of plantations were damaged, the bigger part in Compostela Valley while the rest in nearby Davao del Norte.