About Us
Global Exporters of Uniquely South African GoodsSapro International is a 28-year-old South African owned and operated company and one of SA’s largest exporters of FMCG goods. We export over 8 500 quality, uniquely South African goods to customers all over the world.
Our passion is to provide the highest level of service, not only in terms of product offering and competitive pricing but also with our “hands-on” approach when it comes to shipping goods to wholesalers and retailers abroad. Our clients, the majority of whom have been with us since we opened, cater principally to the expatriate South African community.
Sapro has 30 full time employees and additional flexi staff who come in on an ad hoc basis. Our low staff turnover is testament to our philosophy of honesty, loyalty and integrity.
We export between 4-8 containers a week to more than 22 countries. We are proud pioneers and leaders in this industry.
Our Story
Over the
Years
1997
Founded
Sapro was founded by Brian McMillan and an associate.
1998
Expanding the family business
Brian’s daughter Audrey joined the company, initially renting space from a freight agents warehouse, supplying exclusively to the UK market. Together they grew SAPRO to an impressive international exporting concern with a large global footprint.
2007
Moved into own offices
Moved into our own offices and started renting space from our freight agents.
2009
Packing containers out of Cape Town
Started packing containers out of Cape Town focusing more on liquor from that region.
2016
Opened Cape Town office
2017
Extending our reach into Africa
Extended our reach into Africa, specifically Malawi and Kenya
2019
Moved to own Johannesburg premises
Moved from our freight agents warehouse to our own warehouse in August 2019
2019
IWEC Award
Audrey receives IWEC (International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge) award
Our Operations
Logistic
Nodes
JHB Warehouse
This is our main warehouse where we prepare and label goods and load containers for delivery to the Durban Harbor for export.
We have a bonded store where we keep stock of the most popular liquor lines.
Johannesburg prepares orders/containers that are around 80% FMCG with the balance being liquor.
CPT Warehouse
All our SA wines and other local Cape Town manufactured alcohol gets packed and shipped directly from the wine farms/distillers to our clients from our Bonded store in Cape Town.
These containers are packed around 90% with liquor and are client specific thereby reducing freight costs to our customers.
Who are we?
Meet the
Team
Audrey McMillan
Managing Director
I have been in the industry since 1998, having worked on every aspect of the export business.
I believe strongly in people, understanding that relationships are the key to everything. It is very much this philosophy that I apply to all aspects of my life. I am passionate about honesty, loyalty and integrity and believe nothing has true meaning unless you give back.
Hugo van Rooyen
Operations manager
I joined SAPRO in 2007 after spending seven years previously as an Air Load Master in the South African Air Force. The air force taught me the importance of creating a safe working environment. My ability to ensure the ergonomic warehousing, packing and loading of product for export is the result of this training.
I believe that success is not achieved alone. Good communication skills, team work and discipline is of utmost importance. Honesty and being straight forward, not keeping people in the dark is very important to me. An open relationship tends to instil trust in other people and allows them to shine. All of the above is what ensures a well-oiled warehouse operation.
Abby Britz
Financial Manager
I joined Sapro in 2006 in the financial management and administration department. I have a strong passion for figures and business and the fast pace of the export market has cultivated a strong passion and love within me for Sapro. I have a love for South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa and my favourite past time is travelling to places that are a little off the beaten track. It is a privilege to bring you the best products that South Africa has to offer.
Who are we?
Head Office
Team
Who are we?
Warehouse
Team
