Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African fresh fruit export industry is concerned about fruit and financial losses due to temperature breaks within the fresh fruit export cold chain. The Port of Cape Town plays a crucial role in the export process as the majority of fruit reefer containers that are exported through Cape Town are handled by the Cape Town Container Terminal. This study focuses on the container terminal leg of the fresh fruit export process. Observations made in the Cape Town Container Terminal, at shipping lines and exporting companies show that certain procedures are not always followed in the Cape Town Container Terminal and that congestion and ineffective working methods are causing breaks within the fresh fruit export cold chain. Temperature and time data received from Transnet Port Terminals, shipping lines and exporting companies were analysed for the container terminal segment of the export process. From the data analysis it is clear that there are a large number of breaks originating within the container terminal and that the port is not operating efficiently. The study identifies areas of improvement and makes recommendations on improving some of the issues discussed.