Cargolite and Afrex have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking packaging concept for wholesalers and importers, offering a range of compelling benefits to those in the floral industry. This innovative approach aims to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of rose shipments, ensuring that customers can enjoy the advantages of lower airfreight costs.
The Cargolite packaging concept stands out for its potential to reduce airfreight expenses significantly. Afrex, a renowned player in the flower and agricultural products export business, will extend these cost savings to its customers, both established and new. John Kowarsky, CEO of Cargolite, expressed his enthusiasm about this venture, stating, “One of the benefits of the Cargolite packaging concept is that airfreight costs are lower. Now, Afrex will offer this benefit on airfreight savings, to Afrex customers old and new.”
Afrex, with a successful track record in exporting flowers and agricultural products from South Africa to various parts of the world, has recently established operations in Kenya. They plan to ship roses from select farms in Kenya, and their confidence in the Cargolite concept’s merits has driven them to share part of the airfreight savings with their clientele.
The Cargolite packaging concept is widely adopted by repackers who import substantial volumes and repackage products. To expand its utility to wholesalers and importers, Cargolite has introduced the ‘half carton.’ By using these half cartons, wholesalers can streamline their shipping processes, eliminating the need to open and repack boxes. This approach offers numerous benefits, including reduced crushed boxes, more uniform cartons, minimized handling, and ultimately a higher-quality product. Notably, the XL and half cartons are designed without plastic frames, promoting recycling by integrating the supporting frames inside the carton itself.
An additional trend that Cargolite’s CEO, John Kowarsky, has observed in the industry is the increasing encouragement of forwarders for farms to palletize their flower boxes. This practice significantly reduces handling, labor, and enhances efficiency throughout the supply chain, ultimately leading to a superior quality product.
While Cargolite has faced some supply challenges in Kenya due to a fire at their primary supplier’s factory in the past few months, they have successfully navigated the situation by collaborating with alternative manufacturers. Although the prices saw an increase, the cost per stem remained competitive with traditional Kenyan cartons. Additionally, a new levy imposed by the Kenyan government resulted in a 25% price increase for all imported products, including cardboard. Fortunately, Cargolite’s primary manufacturer is now back in production, stabilizing pricing to more acceptable levels.
Notably, the Cargolite concept has also made its way into the Ecuadorian market, offering local farms and international clients an efficient packaging solution. A presentation in Miami to showcase the concept was originally scheduled for October, but due to travel limitations arising from the situation in Israel, where the company is based, it is now planned to take place after Valentine’s Day in 2024.
Looking ahead, Cargolite envisions further improvements in perishable logistics, with plans to enhance the supply chain from growers to customers to save even more money. While current circumstances may pose some challenges, the company remains committed to innovation and creating new advancements within the Cargolite concept.
During the upcoming International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) from November 8-10, Cargolite and Afrex will be jointly exhibiting their products and launching their Kenyan rose promotion campaign alongside their new half cardboard boxes. This collaborative effort promises to bring a fresh wave of efficiency and cost-effectiveness to the floral industry, benefitting wholesalers, importers, and customers alike.