GLENCORE Grain has shipped SA lentils to Turkey for the first time.
Glencore Grain pulse trader Mostyn Gregg said the 26,000-tonne bulk shipment from Port Giles was headed to Turkey, which normally sources its lentils from Canada.
“Canada has a competitive advantage ahead of Australia with price and timing of their harvest, but we’re working hard to access these markets for our customers and increase market share,” he said.
“For this cargo, we were able to discharge the lentils directly into our own storage in Turkey and then sell direct to Turkish customers, which maximises the value for the grower.
“This vessel delivered more lentils to Turkey in one go than we’ve exported in total across the past five years through containers.”
Lentils and other pulses are mostly exported in containers, but Viterra shipped three bulk vessels in March to help move SA’s record lentil crop.
SA growers harvested 448,000t of lentils in 2016-17, according to PIRSA.
Viterra group operations manager Michael Hill said the company’s focus was on moving this record crop.
“Viterra shipped a mammoth 50,000t of lentils in March – more than double the previous highest month in June 2007,” he said.
“Where feasible, bulk exports help maximise value for growers and allow larger tonnages to reach the import country in tighter time frames.
“We also have a solid container packing program which complements bulk shipments, as it provides buyers with the flexibility to choose smaller parcels.”
- Details: viterra.com.au