In a pioneering partnership between global fresh produce business, Halls, an entrepreneurial farmer from Hill Estate and LCL Logistics, the first ever door-to-door export container of avocados out of rural Swaziland has arrived safely at its destination in the United Kingdom.
Halls and grower partner, Hill Estate, worked together to overcome the challenges of accessing Hill Estate’s recently relocated pack house, now situated on the farm in a very remote area of the southern district of Shiselweni, one of the most underdeveloped regions of Swaziland.
Dedicated supply chain partners, LCL Logistics, were called in to assist with advising on road upgrade and repairs to facilitate the navigation and safe manoeuvring of a fully loaded reefer shipping container over Swaziland’s most mountainous topography.
David Meyer from Hill Estate commented that, “The successful arrival of this door-to-door avocado shipment in Europe is a first for us in Swaziland. The commitment and support received from Halls and LCL was the key to achieving this milestone and I am grateful to everyone involved.”
The Meyer family bravely ventured into the rural heartland in Swaziland many decades ago to establish their family business. Today it is a successful agri-business that provides a sustainable livelihood to many workers from the surrounding community.
Ultimately, the partnership has culminated in fresher avocados arriving into Europe from Swaziland because of improved cold chain management and a more cost effective, direct route to market.
For more information:
Craig Lewis
Tel: +27 (0) 13 753 5700