Afrex South Africa has go in a fresh chapter with the porta of its state - of - the - artwork facility in Johannesburg , just 5 km from its previous localization . " Designed to sustain a unseamed cold chain of mountains from farm to export , the Modern premises feature cutting - sharpness temperature reduction and manipulation systems , meliorate packshed and storage infrastructure , and upgraded agency space . This move marks a major milestone in Afrex ’s on-going missionary post to have top - tone Cape Flora to global markets expeditiously and faithfully " , explains Etienne Taitz , Managing Director at Afrex .
Since its introduction in 2003 , Afrex has rivet on supplying the Northern Hemisphere with fresh flowers during its off - season . The company quickly grew into a key participant in the export of Cape Flora , serve middleman and retailers across the orb . Although the COVID-19 pandemic convey major disruptions to their business — halting flights and exports — Afrex resile as the sphere recovered , leverage Cape Town ’s reestablished place as a logistics hub .
Further flesh out its reach , Afrex opened a deftness in Kenya in 2020 , source rose from selected farms . " Now , with the Johannesburg upgrade , the society is better positioned than ever to meet rising spheric demand with speed , eubstance , and character . "
Partnering with 30 + South African farmsAfrex Cape Town specializes in indigenous Cape Flora like Proteas , Leucospermums , and Leucadendron . Their natural selection also includes Wax flowers , Cymbidiums , Anthuriums , Chrysanthemums , greenery , and seasonal blooms , along with dried prime and decorative dried fruits . Partnering with over 30 South African farm , Afrex source fresh peak day by day without keep stock , ensure optimal insolence . Each flower is checked upon comer and prepare for export from Cape Town and Johannesburg , tailor to client penury and flight schedule . Beyond bloom , Afrex also facilitate the statistical distribution of baby vegetable and fruits from Western Cape growers to their Johannesburg packhouse .
How it all startedAfrex South Africa was founded in 2003 with the goal of render prime to the northern cerebral hemisphere during the off - season . Within three years , the companionship had become a major exporter of Cape Flora , as well as Lilies and Liatris , suffice UK bagger from Johannesburg . A significant milepost was the coaction of Afrex ( previously known as Agriver ) with Waitrose UK , which direct to the launching of the retailer ’s first Cape Flora grasp . " This enterprise reached over 700 supermarket and sold more than 20,000 bouquets per calendar week , " articulate Taitz . Afrex also play a role in export Sweetheart roses from Zimbabwe to Canada , alongside many other flowered exports to various destinations .
alas , the pandemic disrupted the business , but as freightage rates stabilise to most destinations , Cape Town became a major hub again , and Afrex was able-bodied to re - establish itself in the global market place .
What makes Afrex ’s flowers stand out?What makes Afrex ’s flowers so special ? " First of all , we tender a full range of flowers , include indigenous variety , " Taitz excuse . " Proteas and other indigenous Cape Flora were previously sole to South Africa , but their product has propagate to many parts of the public , making it a extremely free-enterprise market . While some farms have shifted to direct sales , we are able to offer a broad range of flowers from multiple farms rather than a special selection from a single farm . "
Another facial expression that sets Afrex apart is its operable model . " We have daily deliveries , clean from the farm . We do not contain stock but supply to social club . On top of that , we pop the question competitive pricing due to our exchange pace advantage . "
But delivering caliber prime is just the offset . " Communication with growers , farm visits , and daily update are vital . We ensure real - meter update , impression , and info keep our client ahead of the biz . We also share our exuberance for Cape Flora by exhibit at major external swop events such as IFTF in Holland . "
chief markets and best - sellersThe majority of Afrex ’s product go to the Gulf region , Switzerland , UK , Central Europe , USA , and Japan in order of bulk . The Far East is come forth as a fast - originate marketplace with increasing demand . protea are their best - sellers , travel along by Wax Flowers , Cymbidiums , verdure , posy , Cape Flora , Leucospermums , and Leucadendrons .
A particularly potent performer lately is the Cymbidium orchid , where requirement systematically go past current provision .
New country - of - the - art facility for Afrex JohannesburgAfrex Johannesburg has just move to a Modern facility , just 5 kilometre from the old premiss . " This modern state - of - the - art space is designed to enhance service quality with cutting - edge cooling system and handling potentiality , including impel temperature reduction and improved packshed , storage , and part facilities . "
The PPECB and Department of Agriculture offices will also be moving to the same premises , ensuring smoother collaborationism and sleek mental process . " Convenience is key . This novel location offer trouble - devoid access without long queues or slow entry subroutine . Refrigerated transport ensures a seamless dusty chain from start to finish . "
As of 7th April 2025 , the new savoir-faire is 23 Pomona Rd , Pomona . This is also the new menage of PCA Logistics .
Future ontogenesis : lucubrate markets and assortmentLooking out front , Afrex aims to enlarge further into the USA and Far East . " These are large food market with significant potential . We used to cater high volumes to both the USA and China , but COVID - link disruptions , including the termination of direct flights from Cape Town , slowed our progression . It is accept prison term to re - establish a foothold , but we are attached to doing so . "
In improver to expanding geographically , Afrex continues to assay out novel floral varieties . " We are constantly looking for fresh floral intersection to add together to our availableness and Modern markets . We also research innovational way to get together customer needs more efficaciously . "
For more informationAfrexEtienne TaitzTel . : +27 82 6109078Email:[email protected ]
Martin Kabaka – Cargolite KenyaTel . : +254 722309318Email:[email protect ]
Stuart Burroughs – Cape TownTel . : +27 67 821 1728Email:[email protected ]
Oscar Biutah - KenyaTel . : +254717932052Email:[email protect ]
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