Ritrama strengthens commitment to Africa

After 10 years in the South African market, Italy's Ritrama has invested in an expanded local team and fresh infrastructure.

At Ritrama's Durban facility, a Laem R32-1600 dual shaft slitter rewinder runs at speeds up to 600m/min

According to Ritrama CEO Ricardo Rink, this new infrastructure represents Ritrama's continued commitment to the southern African market.

The new 2,000 sqm distribution center offers 60-plus commodities, supplied mainly from the group's European plants, but also from the Americas or China when required.

From a logistics point of view, the facility is well-positioned (only 2km from freeway access) as goods enter the country through Durban harbour. In addition, it's next door to sales and marketing partner, Pro-Slit, allowing the local team to control slitting, distribution and commercial matters, while the international team concentrates on the brand, developing products and offering technical assistance.

Ritrama is now South Africa's third-largest labelstock supplier but has ambitions to increase exports to neighbouring countries in southern Africa. It also hopes to see a reversal of the trend towards bulk exports of wine, for bottling overseas, which has resulted in a considerable drop in the consumption of wine labels.

Gill Loubser

Gill Loubser

  • Africa correspondent