On Monday 16th December, the first grapes from South Africa were unloaded at Kloosterboer, Vlissingen. "Knud Reefer" is the first in a series of four ships and will be carrying a total of 6,740 pallets on board destined for both Vlissingen, The Netherlands (4,300 pallets) and Portsmouth, UK (2,440 pallets).
Conventional reefer ships
To ensure that the early season grapes are delivered to market on time, South African exporters make use of reefer ships. Unlike container ships, reefer ships experience little or no disruption from the frequent strong winds that circulate Cape Town's loading port at this time year and which can delay departure schedules. Timely delivery is of particular importance at the start of the grape season to meet market needs and influence the corresponding pricing that follows.
Kloosterboer expects to receive a total of 20,000 pallets of grapes from South Africa over the upcoming weeks.