South Africa’s broader agricultural sector generates around R251 billion for the economy. The floriculture sector is a rising star with a notable increase in exports in recent years; South Africa is the continent’s third-largest exporter of cut flowers. The protea, SA’s national flower, is sent around the world. About half of all South African protea exports are shipped to Europe and Russia alone.
The market for these unique, beautiful and hardy flowers is expanding, but transporting them from the farm to foreign markets is a difficult logistical problem. Risks appear at every stage on the path from farm to export hub, or to shop, ranging from physical damage and temperature swings to humidity accumulation that can spoil a bunch of flowers.
The right bulk packaging products, particularly flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), can have a big impact on the process. Custom Bulk Bags (CBB) is a reputable manufacturer and supplier of FIBCs in South Africa. We make up to 3.5 million bags each year, which can safely hold between 500kg and 2000kg each.
Maintaining protea health during transport
Proteas, like any flower, are a delicate commodity. From the vivid hue of the petals to the straightness of the stem, their aesthetic value is vital to the end price. Any wilting, discolouration, or damage sustained during transportation can cause financial losses for farmers and exporters. The control of environmental elements like temperature, humidity, and airflow is essential to maintaining their quality during transit.
FIBCs, particularly the smaller, more specialised ones, offer a viable packaging solution. Bulk bags are made of woven polypropylene, which is naturally breathable, so there is enough airflow around the flowers. FIBCs also assist in maintaining a more stable climate by controlling the internal temperature and humidity.
Their resilience and flexibility also act as a cushion, protecting the flowers from compression and physical shock while being handled and transported. The slight give in the fabric means that stems are not bent and petals are not damaged when being loaded into the bulk bags.
Conventional packing techniques, like cardboard boxes, frequently fall short of offering the required level of protection. They are susceptible to absorbing moisture, and if they become wet, they lose their structural integrity, endangering the proteas. Additionally, they might not be breathable enough, which could cause moisture and heat to accumulate and speed up deterioration.
Other tips for protea transportation
Every protea farmer should adhere to these best practices to guarantee that their produce arrives at its destination in ideal condition:
- Dry packing – Proteas shouldn’t be submerged in water before being packaged for delivery, in contrast to many other cut flowers. Holding them in water before packaging can reduce their ornamental life after arrival. Rather, flowers should be picked and dry-packed for transportation right away.
- Preserve the cold chain – The most important element in the effective storage and transportation of fresh flowers is temperature regulation. The optimal temperature range for proteas during transit is between 4°C and 10°C. Cold storage facilities and refrigerated trucks at the export terminal and the farm are necessary.
- Handle with care – The flowers must maintain their physical integrity. Cut stems neatly at a 45-degree angle. To stop the flowers from moving inside the container once they have been packed, they must be fastened. Try to reduce empty space to prevent shifting, which can cause damage and bruises, by using smaller, properly sized FIBCs.
- Appropriate post-harvest care – Proteas should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat after cutting. Using floral foods can also reduce physiological problems like blackening of the leaves.
- Choosing the right logistics partner – There is no negotiating with a reputable logistics company that has experience shipping perishable items. They ought to have the equipment required to handle your valuable produce, such as temperature-controlled storage and refrigerated transportation, along with a reputation for on-time delivery.
Together with the right packaging, these best practices can help farmers drastically cut down on product loss and improve their standing as suppliers of premium flowers to the international market.
The benefit of Custom Bulk Bags
CBB is the go-to partner for South African protea growers who want to protect their harvest and simplify their operations. Being a well-known and prominent FIBC producer and supplier in South Africa, we are familiar with the particular difficulties involved in shipping and exporting agricultural goods.
Our bulk bags are made to be flexible, long-lasting, and breathable, providing a customised answer for your protea shipping needs. We work closely with farmers to provide packaging that optimises the whole supply chain while simultaneously protecting your flowers. Your proteas will reach their destination, whether it’s a nearby store or a global export hub, in the same immaculate condition as when they left the farm, thanks to our FIBCs.
Make sure your protea harvest fetches the price it is due on the international market by making the appropriate packaging investment. Please contact us today for more information about our FIBCs or to get a free consultation.
___
Custom Bulk Bags is a major South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, including mining, chemicals and agriculture. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE supplier that falls under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za.
