Industry faces multiple challenges amid unrest

The recent spate of riots in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has resulted in a difference in demand in the food and beverage industry, says industrial solutions provider and distributor Bearings International (BI).

“There have been challenges – not only in terms of losses but also in terms of redirecting operations, and rebuilding damaged and stolen equipment and infrastructure. “Further complications are also seen by stakeholders in the food and beverage industry that have to meet the ever-increasing daily demand of the public,” says BI market segment development leader Hennie van Vuuren.

He notes that there has been a definite change in the market, as most companies that are in a position to ramp up production and processing in other unaffected areas of the country, have done so.

“The disruptions at the ports are adding to the challenges and shortages in the

industry. The massive recall of tinned foods has also had a massive impact on an industry that is already under pressure.”

Van Vuuren is referring to the recall of certain KOO and Hugo’s canned vegetable products produced from May 1, 2019, to May 5, 2021. The recall was owing to a small number of defective cans that might have had a defective side seam weld which could have resulted in leaks.

However, Van Vuuren mentions that these shortages can be overcome only through rapid, reliable and quality production, and BI aims to offer trusted and reliable support to industry players.

Some stakeholders are reporting record-high sales figures as they increase output to meet demand and others are recording record-low figures as they are unable to meet demand. Those reporting high figures are able to produce more products, owing to unaffected production lines.

However, despite the fluctuation in demand that the industry faces, BI aims to be a continuous solutions-driven company supplying multiple components to all stakeholders in the industry, he points out.

“We have seen a great demand for bearings and seals, chains and sprockets, electric motors and drives, gearboxes and couplings, belts and pulleys, as well as lubricants and tools. Demand is driven with the focus on food-safe offerings and hygiene, as well as maintenance-free offerings,” says Van Vuuren.

BI supplies its products, from raw-material supply to ready-for-shelve distribution, for use in multiple applications, including raw material production for harvesting, food and beverage processing, packaging, manufacturing and distribution, as well as to original-equipment manufacturers.

“BI has carried and stocked an array of food and beverage products that have the correct certification and meet the required applications for many years. “We are expanding our range where we see additional opportunities and, as always, we leverage the synergies across industrial supplies company Hudaco Group’s vast product and service offerings,” concludes Van Vuuren.