Andre Muller (CFO, Quantum Foods) and Frikkie Grobler (CEO, Logicalis SA)

Quantum Foods, the South African diversified feeds and poultry giant, has taken a bold step in its digital transformation journey by signing a landmark contract with Logicalis SA for managed IT services as an extensive outsourcing project, with positive implications for South African agriculture and food security. The deal is set to catapult the leading agriculture producer into a new phase of efficiency and to position it well in an increasingly competitive local and international market.

Increasing efficiency

According to an Accenture report on the state of South Africa’s agricultural sector, the sector’s contribution to South Africa’s GDP has been on a long-term downward trajectory. Added to this, the poultry sector has also been under significant pressure from surging imports and product dumping. Both these factors make the efficiency gains that will be realised from the new partnership with Logicalis SA vital not only to the continued success of Quantum Foods, but also to the sector in general. As an essential facilitator of the agricultural industry and as a significant producer of animal feed, Quantum Foods and its customers are set to benefit from the innovation and next generation thinking brought by the depth of Logicalis SA.

As a leading provider of global IT solutions and managed services, Logicalis has deep expertise in providing cutting-edge managed IT services to clients in a wide variety of sectors. “Of the providers we considered for this work, Logicalis was by far the stand-out candidate,” stated Michiel van Niekerk, Financial Manager at Quantum Foods. “Their detailed understanding of our businesses requirements, transparent approach and energetic and knowledgeable executive team positioned them as the ideal outsourcing and digital transformation partner for Quantum Foods,” he continued.

Digitally transforming the food chain

With the critical role that it plays in society, ensuring that the food production sector is operating at peak performance from an IT perspective is a focus area of Logicalis. “We consider this a huge win for Logicalis SA,” says Frikkie Grobler, CEO at Logicalis SA “This partnership will expand our footprint in South Africa and is a massive step in supporting the transformation of the agricultural sector, not only in South Africa but also in key markets on the African continent. We have other key clients in the food production sector and leading such important businesses into the cloud is exactly what we mean when we describe ourselves as architects of change,” he added, noting that Quantum Foods has operations in Mozambique, Zambia and Uganda.

In a further vote of confidence, the Technology & Services Industry Association has also endorsed the deal. “It is truly inspiring that big and important South African businesses have truly embraced the need for a clear focus on accelerating their digital strategies. We are particularly impressed by the calibre of partner that Quantum Foods has selected as their provider for managed IT services, as Logicalis South Africa is certainly a forerunner in the digital transformation space. This news bodes well for technological advancement in southern Africa,” commented VP and Managing Director of Service Delivery Research, George Humphrey.

Primed for growth

On the back of major investments into Quantum Foods and a resultant jump in both its valuation and share price, the news of this partnership could not have come at a better time. “At Logicalis SA, we pride ourselves in supporting some of the most important businesses in the country. Quantum Foods is an important strategic player in the supply of day-old chicks to country’s big poultry producers, and consequently to South Africa’s food production. We are excited to join forces with them, and we are looking forward to helping their business achieve their objectives with our exceptional solutions,” concluded Grobler.