Tech in Africa
Twiga Foods, the innovative Kenyan grocer, has integrated the smart crate systems into their operations – a technology introduced by Silafrica. The technology is a first for Africa and becomes the first technology-driven packaging solution that is sustainable. The crates are 100 percent plastic and are in line with the company’s commitment to achieving a circular economy.
The product gives the farmers a way of tracking their produce throughout until it reaches the market. Crates are fitted with Near-Field Communication (NFC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) which relay real-time data as the crates move from a single point to the other. The tags on the crates can be scanned at checkpoints along the way.
Geolocation can be a revolutionary technology in the Africa food industry as both consumers and producers trust that only quality produce makes it to the shelf. Once the crates are dispatched, they are then brought back for re-use. This business model is highly efficient as it minimizes losses normally incurred after harvest during transport and streamlines the distribution channel.
Akshay Shah, Silafrica Executive Director, touts the new crate design as a “safe and sound” method to transport fresh farm produce. The new smart crate technology is in line with the company’s desire to carry out sustainable decision-making that minimizes waste and maximizes on scarce resources. The containers are used repeatedly ensuring promoting recycling and traceability. Silafrica is a leading plastic manufacturer and supplier of plastic products across the East Africa region.
