South Africa’s fresh fruit industry has received a welcome boost with the opening of Maersk’s Belcon Cold Store in Cape Town. The facility is part of the global logistics giant’s USD 100 million (ZAR 1.72 billion) investment in South Africa’s cold chain infrastructure — the system that keeps fruit fresh from farm to supermarket shelves abroad.
This investment is not just about storage and shipping. For thousands of farmers, workers, and their families across the country, it means more secure jobs, fewer losses in the fields, and better chances to compete on the world stage.
Keeping Fruit Fresh from Farm to Fork
South Africa is a leading exporter of citrus, grapes, and other fruit. But delays and broken cold chains have cost farmers dearly — the grape industry alone has been losing up to R1.5 billion each year when produce spoils before it reaches its destination.
The new Belcon facility helps solve this problem by keeping fruit at the right temperature from the moment it leaves the farm until it’s loaded on ships bound for Europe, Asia, and beyond. That means fresher fruit for shoppers overseas — and more income returning to South Africa’s rural communities.
A Network That Works for People
With Belcon in Cape Town now running, Maersk has built a network of three cold storage facilities in South Africa. These centres are located close to major ports and highways, making it easier for farmers to move their harvests quickly and safely.
The impact is already being felt. During the 2025 citrus season, farmers reported fewer losses and better quality fruit reaching markets. That’s good news not only for exporters, but also for the workers who depend on the success of each harvest.
Beyond Warehouses: Complete Support for Exporters
Maersk isn’t just offering storage. The company now provides a full package of services — from customs paperwork to transport and shipping — so that farmers and exporters can focus on what they do best: growing world-class fruit.
This “one-stop-shop” approach makes exporting less stressful and more reliable, particularly for smaller producers who often struggle with complex logistics.
A Vote of Confidence in South Africa
Maersk has been operating in South Africa for over three decades, but this latest investment shows a new level of commitment. By putting more than USD 100 million into the cold chain, the company is betting on the future of South African agriculture.
“Maersk has been invested and present in South Africa for over three decades, and our ambition has never been stronger,” said Lubabalo Mtya, Managing Director of Maersk Southern Africa & Islands.
For consumers, this means proudly knowing that South African oranges, grapes, and other fruit on shelves in London, Dubai, or Beijing arrived there fresh and full of flavour. For farmers and workers, it means fewer losses, stronger communities, and a brighter future.
