Tiger Brands Introduces Alternative-Fuel Logistics Fleet for Albany Bread Deliveries

Johannesburg – Tiger Brands is upgrading its logistics by incorporating compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks into its Albany bread distribution fleet.

This project marks a notable step forward in the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency, bolstering supply chain resilience, and supporting affordability for consumers.

An initial batch of 14 CNG-powered trucks has been rolled out, with an investment of around R12 million, operating from the Albany Germiston Bakery in Johannesburg.

These vehicles, capable of a single-trip range of approximately 480km, have begun delivering bread along the shortest routes from the bakery to optimize efficiency.

The trucks are supported by a dedicated CNG fueling station installed on-site for convenience.

The Albany Super Bakery, presently being developed in Pretoria, will be the next facility of Tiger Brands to feature a CNG fleet.

The launch of Albany’s CNG fleet aligns with Tiger Brands’ long-term strategy to diversify its transportation energy sources and reduce its reliance on diesel.

Over the next five years, the company plans to convert 10% of its fleet to alternative-fuel vehicles and will also pilot electric, hybrid, and solar-powered vehicle technologies to assess their viability in operations.

This initiative comes at a time when companies are grappling with volatility and uncertainty in global energy markets, which impact transportation costs, supply chain efficiency, and consumer affordability.

By diversifying its transportation energy sources, Tiger Brands seeks to lessen its dependence on conventional diesel and strengthen the resilience and predictability of its transport expenses.

This initiative also supports the company’s 2030 Environmental Stewardship goals, which aim for a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and sourcing 31% of its electrical energy from renewable sources.

“We expect that integrating CNG vehicles into the Albany fleet will deliver significant benefits to the business and offer consumers added value through reduced fuel costs, decreased exposure to diesel price variability, and improved fleet efficiency,” said Quinton Swart, MD: Bakeries at Tiger Brands.

“At the same time, we are minimizing our environmental footprint and supporting the communities we serve.”

CNG vehicles operate on natural gas stored at high pressure, providing an alternative to traditional diesel.

They produce lower emissions compared to diesel-powered vehicles and present a more cost-effective fuel option.

While South Africa’s CNG market is still developing, this technology has gained traction internationally.

As per the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), more commercial fleets are increasingly transitioning to lower-emission transport options, with over 28.5 million natural gas vehicles currently in use globally.