Temperature control is one of the most critical yet frequently overlooked elements in fresh produce value chains. In a recent Landbou.com podcast “Moenie verkoeling se rol in gehalte-produkte vlak kyk nie” (see below), Energy Partners’ Samuel Jacobs and Danie van Zyl joined host, Marieke Snyman, to unpack why effective cooling systems are essential for preserving quality from farm to market, especially those destined for export.
Referencing Energy Partners’ successful Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) project at Dole’s Letaba Packers, Samuel and Danie highlight that refrigeration is a strategic enabler of quality and competitiveness.
The project shows why refrigeration has become a competitiveness lever, not a background utility through the CaaS model, Energy Partners delivered a R3.7 million high-efficiency ammonia plant with zero upfront cost to Letaba, backed by 24/7 monitoring, guaranteed performance and a predictable monthly fee that helps Letaba budget through seasonal peaks without tariff shock.
The result is measurable: energy consumption is down by 20%, and the upgraded plant avoids 425 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, all while protecting export-grade quality product.
Listen to the podcast below (note: interview is in Afrikaans).
Moenie verkoeling se rol in gehalte-produkte vlak kyk nie | Landbou
