Earlier this spring, the Suez Canal blockage was the straw that broke the camel’s back in an already strained global transport network due to the Coronavirus crisis. The network is still grappling with the knock-on effect of all these complications and we’re encouraging our customers to order earlier to account for industry-wide shipping delays…
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May 21, 2021  |  News

How planning earlier helps to avoid coir growing media shipping delays

Our message to help all of our growers this year is to plan ahead and order earlier this year to account for likely industry-wide transport delays.

Earlier this spring, the mega container ship ‘Ever Given’ made headlines, blocking one of the busiest trade routes in the world, and causing a huge tail back of other ships trying to pass through the Suez Canal. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back in an already strained global transport network due to the Coronavirus crisis and the impact of Brexit. According to Mark Davies, head of fruit at Agrovista, our UK partner, the network is still grappling with the knock-on effect of all these complications.

“We are doing all we can to mitigate any transport issues, but placing orders even 6 months ahead of time will help to plan for sourcing. Growers are used to working ahead, but our advice is to work even more in advance and get product ordered sooner rather than later,” says Mark.

“Along with Botanicoir, we plan far in advance and we want to reassure growers that this is a temporary issue and we are working with experienced professionals to keep them fully briefed on any delays.”

Paul Smith, sea import director at Cargo Overseas Ltd, says that even though it was back in March when the vessel Ever Given was stuck in the Suez Canal for 6 days the knock-on effect has impacted worldwide shipping significantly.

“Since around October 2020, and compounded by the Suez Canal blockage, there are continuing issues with vessel space, container supply and port congestion which is potentially adding weeks onto the lead time and the indications are that this could continue through at least August 2021 as shipping lines try to get back to some form of scheduling normality. There are severe port congestion and container supply issues in all areas.

“Whether it be UK growers or indeed growers in any part of the world, as long as farmers book in advance, pre-plan even more and look forward, that should stand them in good stead, and we will ensure that we continue to liaise directly with both Botanicoir and their growers to offer a complete ‘door to door’ service, starting from the production line in Sri Lanka directly to the farm gate. We understand that the growers plan their planting around these deliveries and have a seasonal deadline, therefore it’s imperative that they are kept updated on any potential delays,” adds Paul.

UK farmers Robert and Phillip Busby from Manor Farm, Chilcote, are positive about the personal service they receive from Botanicoir. “With extra Brexit challenges we all have to face, we have received excellent service from both Agrovista and Botanicoir from the start of the ordering process, right through to coordinating dates and timings of container deliveries which makes the whole process more manageable, with a professional, efficient and friendly approach.”      

Kalum Balasuriya, managing director at Botanicoir explains that we invest heavily in sustainable, traceable supply chains and is clear that updating growers about the current transport issues is of utmost importance. “If Covid-19 has taught us anything it’s the importance of traceability and direct, sustainable supply chains. We work with partners all over the world, such as Mark and Paul to offer a personal service to our customers, keeping them fully updated from the moment any products leave Sri Lanka, and we want to be transparent about potential delays this year and we will support our growers as much as possible.”


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