"We have steady growth," is how Jakob Van Poucke describes the development of the perishable/agro division at logistics service provider Sealogis Freight Forwarding Belgium, which he has led for a year. "As a group, we are known in several verticals, such as chemicals, project cargo, art, and general cargo, but perishable/agro did not yet hold the same share within the company as these other services. Therefore, the challenge was to familiarize customers with our service, and I can see we're making significant strides in this."
The perishable/agro division includes fresh produce, frozen foods, and non-human consumption items like pet food. "We've experienced strong growth in this sector over the past year. The brand awareness we enjoy in our other divisions is also building here. We see our customer base expanding monthly, and I've noticed an increase in new relationships within the fresh produce sector."
Global service
According to Jakob, the company distinguishes itself by its service. "The advantage of expanding a specific division within a group is that we already have a large network at our disposal. I also have over 20 years of experience in the industry, which means I know very well which products should go to which warehouse. We're constantly looking for the best solutions for our customers, aiming to secure the most favorable prices while also ensuring quality and flawless service from start to finish."
"Think of it this way," he continues. "From the moment a shipment leaves one country, we handle everything until it reaches its final destination, including sea freight, handling, inspection, customs clearance, and delivery to the end customer. We work with an extensive network of warehouse handlers, transporters, shipping companies, and agents. This allows us to offer tailored services based on the product's specific needs. It also means we're not limited to a single location. If a customer wants to export to Singapore, we can rely on our agents there to ensure shipments reach their final destination."
"Sealogis has an office in Antwerp as well as in all French ports, along with a partner in Rotterdam. This flexibility means we're not restricted to Antwerp, for example, but can easily shift to other ports like those in France or Rotterdam. We see that this is valued by customers, as they can work with the same partner across multiple locations. Through Sealogis Freight Forwarding Belgium, wherever a shipment arrives, they know every detail will be handled with our consistent service level guaranteed," Jakob explains.
Moving with seasons
In this way, the company aims to build lasting relationships with customers and focus on growth within the perishables sector. "From the start, you have to ensure they know everything will be handled to their satisfaction. When the oranges leave South Africa, for example, the responsibility is ours, and especially with those first containers, we want to provide that extra level of service. So, I personally make sure that I am there upon arrival, inspecting the shipment. I take photos, look at the products, check the packaging, etc., so that the customer knows it's being properly followed up and can get an immediate sense of the product and pallets. This personal touch takes time but is, in my view, incredibly valuable."
"We see a similar approach with other fruits. There is hardly a product we can't handle, but each type of fruit has different requirements. It's about determining which warehouses, transport companies, and so on, we should use. This requires close contact to ensure the right solution for each product."
This is Jakob's vision for Sealogis. "To build long-term relationships so that we can work with our customers across various needs and seasons. Customers don't import mangoes year-round, for example, but switch to other products. We begin with an initial contact, develop strong bonds with our hands-on service, and then, step-by-step, grow the relationship. Such a partnership doesn't develop overnight, but we're focused on that for the future. We aim to consolidate and further expand."
For more information:
Jakob Van Poucke
Sealogis Freight Forwarding Belgium
Tel: 32 (0)3 470 21 49
[email protected]
www.sealogisfreightforwardingbelgium.com