A citrus trip to South Africa
10/10/2023
NONSTOP TRAVEL MENNO & KA WAI - SOUTH AFRICA
Normally, we would always plan a citrus trip to South Africa in around March or April, but this time we chose to go mid-season, so we were able to see the different varieties ‘in action’ on the packing lines and in the orchards. It was an unusual time for a visit. Naturally, we visited many long-term partners to draw up further joint growth plans for the coming years and discuss the difficult situation in which growers in South Africa find them-selves. In times like these, we always make it very clear to our partners how much we appreciate what they do and reiterate our continued strong support. We were also keen to look for new partners to meet the ever growing demand from our many clients in Asia and the Benelux countries.
Ka Wai flew from Hong Kong to Johannesburg and Menno flew in from Amsterdam. They arrived on Sunday evening, painstakingly reviewing the entire schedule once again, as well as the objectives and strategic plans. Clearly, there is always a purpose to our visits.
The trip to the far north of the country (close to the border with Zimbabwe) began early on Monday morning. Along the way we visited partners in Groblersdal, Marble Hall, Letsitele, Tzaneen, Hoedspruit, Malelane and Mbombela in the north of South Africa. After 13 visits in two-and-a-half days and having travelled 2,000 km, we had once again learnt and seen a huge amount. We were even lucky enough to have one of our partners take us on a short safari, where we saw giraffes and other animals in all their splendour! We had given a boost to our cooperation and further development with our existing partners. It was a fruitful trip, since we started business with 4 new growers.
The aim is always to look for people with the same values and beliefs. If we are a good fit for each other, then shipping a couple of containers is the aim. We always say that you have to get to know each other. Once you have a solid foundation, the volumes will follow by themselves.
We focus more on quality and finding people with the same DNA. That is the main objective in the long term, so we are very careful in this regard.
On Wednesday evening, we flew to the Eastern Cape, where we travelled around for another two days. The trip there took us from Port Elizabeth to Fort Beaufort, and from Addo to Kirkwood and the Patensie area. Following the seven visits here, during which we learned a great deal and achieved the agreed acquisition targets once again, we rounded off the trip with a warehouse visit, lunch and fun activities with our existing partners.
When we saw our Mamba boxes going through the warehouse, we were filled with pride. Pride on the one hand for our brand, which wants to represent the best possible quality, and on the other for our long-term partners, who day in day out do their utmost to work with us to achieve the success in the market that we are striving for! Stronger together,
that is what we call it! The first containers from new growers have now arrived and we are looking forward to putting our heart and soul into the further development of these relationships. Cheers to South Africa.
"Howzit?"
In South Africa, greetings are often carried out with warmth and enthusiasm, reflecting the diversity of the population and cultures in the country. A commonly used greeting is "Hello" or "Hi," similar to many other English-speaking countries.
A unique greeting in South Africa is "Howzit?" or "How's it going?" This is an informal greeting that is friendly and relaxed, akin to "How are you?". It emphasizes a laid-back and open atmosphere in conversations.
Additionally, in certain cultures in South Africa, it's customary to show respect through a slight bow or a nod of the head. Handshakes are also common, especially in professional and formal situations.
Due to South Africa's rich cultural diversity, greeting customs can vary among different ethnic groups and regions. It's always wise to be mindful of the situation and to respect the customs of the people around you.