Productivity and Efficiency – the Base of Good Business

The South African food processing industry is a brilliant sector, fuelled by innovation and the desire to transform. Servicing clients and end-users across the country, and growing into sub-Saharan Africa, addressing food security and contributing to a strong agri-food chain, this sector is vital in the country’s larger economic picture.

Estimates suggest that South Africa exports more agricultural products than any other country in Africa. In the processing sector there are more than 1800 firms employing tens of thousands.

But the market is going through yet another period of extraordinary challenge. Following the pandemic and the fallout from retailers and entertainment venues closing for months, those in food processing now look at a market where consumers expect more for less with input costs at an all time high as the country’s energy crisis adds pressure like never before. For those looking for a recipe for success, the South African environment is missing some key ingredients.

However, there are many in the market that have seen challenges come and go, and jumped every hurdle put in the way of growth. With experience comes resilience and a unique ability to find opportunities in challenges. This is the power of Columbit, South Africa’s leading food processing machinery and technology supplier. For this seasoned industry veteran, economic peaks and troughs have come and gone; there has been ups and downs, but Columbit has always delivered for its customers.

GREAT PRODUCTS

The first and foremost ingredient in Columbit’s mix is a great product. Since 1938, when Ernest Zeh registered the company in South Africa, Columbit has been supplying world-class technology to the food and beverage industry. Everything from meat processing – including trimming, skinning, dicing, cooking, injecting and smoking – through to pumps, labelling, sleeveing, and capping, Columbit’s range is unmatched and is supplied by the world’s best manufacturers.

Brands in the portfolio – often on an exclusive basis – include Eberhardt, Poly-clip, Weber, Fessmann, Domino, Laska, Pall, Ragazzini, Millet Cooperage and many more. These industry-leaders are split across meat processing and packaging, beverage processing and packaging, and wine divisions.  

“Columbit represents a number of first-class European equipment manufacturers and, in most cases, such representation has spanned over many years, some as long as 60 years. The equipment supplied by Columbit is of the highest quality and able to withstand the harsh manufacturing conditions synonymous with food and beverage production in Africa,” the company says.

Columbit backs its product list with a team of experts to ensure ongoing maintenance and customer satisfaction. Training alongside suppliers, upskilling inhouse, and demanding nothing but the best, the team has proven itself across the industry.

“We are confident and bold in what we do, yet flexible and sensitive to the needs of our customers,” the company suggests. “Over the years, we have built a reputation based on integrity and sound values. The company is fully committed to its suppliers, customers, and staff.

“Today Columbit is a dynamic, diversified operation supplying top quality consumables, equipment and service to the wine, food and beverage industries in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. All divisions are ably supported by a knowledgeable sales team, qualified technicians, and superb aftermarket spares and support staff.”

EFFICIENCY, PRODUCTIVITY

Last year, GM Werner Rautenbach told Enterprise Africa that despite many restaurants being closed because of Covid-19, there was a drive to improve efficiency, and this helped to boost numbers in a tough time.

“The customers’ requirements to improve productivity with rising input costs is an important factor. Everyone needs to increase productivity and lower costs, this forms an important part when we consider what to offer our clients. The need to reduce input cost has been a huge motivation for more automation. We have meat and beverage processing equipment for which we cover most of southern Africa. We have customers in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, and we cover all areas,” he said.

In Cape Town, at Propak 2023 – the leading event and exhibition for the local market – Columbit will reinforce its position as the leading supplier of highly efficient and robust equipment, all backed with European quality guarantees, and maintained by local experts.

“For 80 years, the company has supplied equipment, service and consumables to the food and beverage industries in Southern Africa,” Columbit reminds.

“We have succeeded as a business over the last 80 years through a simple blend of honesty, integrity, hard work, and dedication. We accept ownership of our individual responsibility and the impact of our actions on our suppliers, customers, our business and the environment.”

This promise ensures the company stands above others when clients look for an equipment supplier to bring sustainability and efficiency.

The productivity improvement remains the key concern for buyers, and will be discussed at Propak. As food producers blow budget on mitigating against rolling blackouts, water supply, and failing infrastructure, the fear is that costs will be passed to consumers furthering inflationary pressure already prevalent in the market. For the big national producers, measures are in place. But for smaller butcher shops and food processing companies that service communities, ensuring machinery runs as it should is a priority. This is where a partnership with Columbit makes a difference.

“Columbit strives to be a world class market leader supplying the food and beverage industries with quality consumables, equipment, and service. As brand custodians we employ professional people who are enthusiastically committed to service excellence and sustainable profitability. We apply our energy and ingenuity to build a growing, continually improving business from which all stakeholders will benefit,” the company says, adding that it actively fosters a thriving entrepreneurial spirit.

INDUSTRY LEADING

The coming years will be critical for the food processing industry, which needs to expand dramatically to aid in South Africa’s drive for localisation. Today, the country – and continent – exports significant value in raw, unprocessed agricultural product, with value add occurring in other countries. With more equipment, expertise, and efficiency, Africa could take advantage of economic opportunities at the same time as addressing food security and job creation.

If the opportunities can be seized then food and beverage will not only remain a part of the South African table, but it could become a main course as an industry sector able to scale quickly while solving core issues in the country.

“A good product combined with a good back up service is a winning recipe,” Rautenbach said previously.

As the top supplier of food and beverage equipment, Columbit is perfectly placed to assist through yet another tough period. Clearly, this is a business that knows how to delight, and partnering with the best is the only way to achieve true sustainability.