There is only One exhibition organiser that's truly African
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****************************** Dedicated Beverage Industry Expo To Join The Africa Big Seven Line –Up The organisers of Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) have announced the launch of DrinkTech Africa, a dedicated exhibition and conference designed to service the continent’s growing beverage and liquid food markets. The Africa market is unique to other global markets as it has First World and Third World economies working together. This means manufacturers need to produce and supply both traditional and westernised beverage options. In South Africa the top performing beverage categories are energy drinks with a 20% growth for 2007 – 2008. Followed by bottled water, iced tea and carbonated soft drinks. In alcoholic beverages growth is led by flavoured alcoholic drinks whilst dairy beverages showed good growth due to milk surplus experienced from the last quarter of 2008 (*).
The exhibition will showcase: equipment, technology, systems and ingredients for manufacturing, filling, packaging and distribution of beverages and liquid foods as well as products such as non-alcoholic drinks – beer – spirits - milk and liquid dairy products - liquid food - fruit juices - wine and water - tea and coffee - energy and wellness drinks and all other beverages. DrinkTech Africa which will be held every second year and alternate with IFMA (The Meat Industry expo) comes at a time when AB7 is showing strong growth even in a recessionary economy. Both exhibitor and visitor numbers are growing with 90% of visitors polled in 2009 saying they would return again in 2010. This year’s AB7 boasted 238 exhibiting companies from 39 countries and 7,542 visitors from 45 countries. A full show report detailing demographics, visitor business profiles and their attitudes to the event is available on request from admin@exhibitionsafrica.com. Drinktech Africa is organized by Exhibition Management Services (Pty) Ltd and is scheduled to take place at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg – South Africa from 25 July to 27 July 2010. For further details please contact Lineke Fleischer-van der Brugghen on admin@exhibitionsafrica.com ends ****************************** Africa’s Big Seven Trade Show to showcase African ingenuity Agriculture may be Africa’s Achilles Heel, but it is also a source of hope and huge untapped potential. It has been said that creating jobs in agriculture is a hundred times cheaper than in industry. Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the continent’s biggest dedicated food and beverage expo offers an incomparable platform for producers and manufacturers to develop and expand these businesses thus creating employment. AB7 takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg, South Africa, from 25 to 27 July 2010.
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It is said by optimists that no matter how bad the economy is, “people must still eat.” While this is true, during the past year’s economic crisis, consumers have made distinct changes to the way they source and prepare the food and meals they consume. This has impacted hugely on the food and beverage packaging sector. In line with these changes, the latest packaging innovations and trends will be showcased at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the continent’s largest dedicated food and beverage expo. AB7 takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg, South Africa, from 25 to 27 July 2010. ends ****************************** AB7 Show a must for KZN food biz companies There are indications that trading conditions in the food and beverage industry have improved and the sector will start its recovery this year. Businesses in Kwazulu-Natal are using the networking opportunity provided by Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) - the continent’s largest food and beverage expo – to expand their market reach and leverage the numerous market expansion channels that the event offers. AB7 takes place from 25 to 27 July 2010 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg. Despite a decrease in total income generated by the food and beverages industry for November 2009 (down 6.6% compared with November 2008), recently released data by Statistics South Africa shows a positive outlook. South Africa's economic confidence improved in January bolstered by firm optimism that the economy has started its rebound after reversing a long recessionary trend in the third quarter of 2009. Stats SA figures indicate that the economy strengthened slightly in November and that the food and beverage sectors showed some gains. That stronger trend has extended into the new year. “Kwazulu-Natal companies continue to seize the opportunity that AB7 presents,” continues Thomson. ”What makes AB7 unique is the fact that it’s the only food related trade exhibition that is a genuine portal into Africa. It is the only forum where all role players can meet under one roof – manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers and everyone else in between.” AB7 2009 saw 238 companies from 39 countries exhibit at the show. Included amongst these were companies from 15 African countries that exhibited, as well as companies from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. “The show acts as an international supply chain for the global food and beverage industry,” adds Thomson. Many exhibitors concur with Thomson’s views. Says G A Rhodes-Harrison from Oceana Brands, an exhibitor at last year’s show: “Locally we are firmly established, but our aim (in exhibiting) was to investigate and promote exports into Africa – we fulfilled that during the show and made many African contacts”. The company markets branded canned fish products locally in southern Africa and internationally to a diverse range of customers and distributors. Fontana Manufacturers, an Umkomaas-based supplier of quality plastic and metal components to the packaging industry, will be making its début at this year’s show. 37 years of experience in the manufacturing of steel closures and 20 years’ experience in the manufacturing of plastic components, combined with a commitment to producing innovative quality products, has placed Fontana Manufacturers in a position to be able to serve a global base. Says Mara Fontana, “We are really looking forward to this year’s show and hope to present our latest products to existing and new customers.” ends ****************************** FoodBiz Africa to showcase catering and Foodbiz Africa, the niche sector within Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) that focuses on foodservice, hospitality and catering, doubled its dedicated visitor attendance from 2008 to 2009. FoodBiz Africa is part of the continent’s biggest food and beverage trade show - AB7 - and takes place from 25 to 27 July 2010 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg. “At the 2008 AB7 show, FoodBiz Africa alone drew almost 12% of overall visitors,” reports John Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of AB7. “Last year, the number of people that visited FoodBiz Africa doubled to more than 22% of the total 7 542 visitors attending AB7 2009. Visitors come to AB7 from over 45 countries around the world. We expect similar growth in visitor traffic this year,” says Thomson, adding that none of the other sector specific shows come close to achieving such figures. Although the foodservice, hospitality and catering industries have experienced tough trading conditions over the past year, many industry leaders are continuing their expansion drives into Africa, since the outlook for 2010 looks far more positive. Some of the major hotel chains are implementing aggressive growth strategies into Africa, having identified parts of the continent as a sound investment platform. Hilton Hotels – which currently owns and operates hotels in eight African countries – announced in December last year its intention to expand its African presence into Uganda in 2010, followed by Nigeria and the Cape Verde Islands in 2011 and Ghana in 2012. The group is actively investigating the potential of new hotels in Angola, Morocco, Mozambique and Tanzania. These facilities will certainly provide additional opportunities to food and catering suppliers in those regions, as well as employment to local communities. “Africa is such an enormous continent,” says Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s Senior Vice President for Development: Africa and Europe. “I believe that Africa’s 53 countries provide a very wide and beautiful market, in the sense that there are different opportunities at different times.” Protea Hotels also added new operations to its African portfolio, opening additional hotels in Nigeria and Namibia. In the first six months of 2009, the hotel sector in Rwanda had 15 new projects, the highest number of individual ventures in any industry sector. The potential of food franchising in Africa continues to grow. The franchise industry in the Middle East and North Africa is currently valued at over US$14-billion and has an annual growth rate of 27%. Egypt tops the list, with 290 franchises, an increase of 37% since 2005. In South Africa alone, the fast food sector had a turnover of R10.4 billion in 2006, up from R7.9 billion in 2004. The catering sector is one of the largest and fastest growing components of the hospitality industry in Africa, and Botswana is one of those countries experiencing massive growth. “Function, event and remote-site catering are two areas that currently offer the most growth opportunities in Botswana,” says Michael Dark, Operations Manager of Compass Botswana, a leading independent food service and integrated management organisation. “In addition to this, we expect to see growth in areas such as outsourced catering, government tenders and facilities management opportunities,” adds Dark. Most retailers believe that Africa represents vast potential for growth in the foodservices industry. The continent is home to a number of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with economic growth predicted to attain 4.3 percent in 2010. The continent's economic performance in 2009 was better than many of the Western world’s shrinking economies over the same period. On a regional scale, growth in sub-Saharan Africa will be 1% above the global average this year. South African food retailers are aggressively expanding their footprint in African markets. Woolworths’ growth strategy provides lucrative opportunities for local suppliers in those markets, as the company prefers to source local goods and produce. Aleem Fakir, the company’s Divisional Director of Franchise, reports that 120 tons of coffee was recently purchased from African countries for the 46 Woolworths cafés in those countries. “At this year’s FoodBiz Africa Expo, African producers will be well placed to secure supply contracts with retail companies and franchisors for distribution to their African operations,” adds Thomson. Shoprite, which currently operates 146 company-owned stores and 57 franchises in 16 African countries, aims to earn half its revenue from Africa. More new supermarkets and food stores throughout Africa, and a growing demand for processed foods by consumers has resulted in an exponential market for home meal replacements. This has created many opportunities for custom designed meal concepts ranging from ready-made meals, meal kits containing ingredients for home preparation to hot-food-to-go and pre-cooked meals for home reheating. John Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of Africa’s Big Seven, explains that doing business in Africa can be profitable. “Margins in Africa are higher than in South Africa; companies that enter these markets ahead of their competitors will reap the rewards. Africa’s population is now over one billion and projected to grow by an additional 24 million each year until 2050. Clearly Africa has vast untapped business potential. “FoodBiz acts as an international supply chain bringing together buyers and suppliers all under one roof. The strong growth in FoodBiz visitor traffic – doubling in 2009 – shows that the event more than meets the needs of both suppliers and buyers. The sheer number of countries participating in the FoodBiz Expo, combined with many decision-making visitors attending, reflects this.” ends ****************************** Opportunities for Agribusiness at Africa’s Big Seven Business confidence levels have improved in South Africa, and a GDP growth rate of over 3% is forecast for 2010. Boosted by an upturn in consumer spending on food and drink, South Africa is set to surpass pre-recession demand. For the Western Cape’s dominant agricultural production, this translates into more opportunities for producers. And as the demand for exports into Africa and the rest of the world grows, the sector is using marketing vehicles such as Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) - Africa’s largest food and beverage expo – to promote their goods on the global market. AB7 takes place from 25 to 27 July at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg. The Western Cape is still the mainstay of food production in South Africa. Currently accounting for over 20% of the country’s agricultural output, the province’s agricultural production increased in real terms from R15,97-Billion in 2002 to R16,6-Billion in 2007. In 2003, the sector accounted for over 50% of the province’s exports, valued at R13,5-Billion. Acknowledging the need for agricultural producers, particularly emerging farmers, to broaden their customer base, the Department of Agriculture has implemented several programmes all aimed at facilitating access. The Department’s Agricultural and Agribusiness Strategy aims to ensure that the province’s agricultural sector maintains its position as a global player while continuing to provide food for its population. AB7 serves as the ideal platform to facilitate trade links with customers locally and abroad. “Ever more buyers from around the globe are using AB7 to source their products or identify export prospects,” says John Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the event. “Over 392 product categories featuring 2 117 different items were showcased at last year’s event and a total of 7 542 visitors from 45 countries attended the 2009 expo – the highest number ever!” Participating countries included Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, the United States, in addition to over 15 African countries. “AB7 is part of the international food supply chain - acting as a springboard for companies to launch into more markets.” “Most visitors to AB7 are decision-makers,” continues Thomson. “Our research indicates that 51% of all visitors in 2009 could authorise purchases, and 58% of them were owners, managing directors or directors. Moreover, 17% of them were importers, 27% were manufacturers and 20% were distributors or agents. AB7 is reaching the decision-makers in the food and beverage sector – all under one roof.” Western Cape based company Pacmar has already booked their space for this year’s show. A first-time exhibitor, the company aims to extend their footprint in foreign markets. Says Lize van Jaarsveld, Pacmar’s Accounts Manager: “We would like to expand our African business – and AB7 is the perfect platform to explore these opportunities.” Pacmar produces a unique fruit juice, the first of its kind in South Africa. The juice is made from 100% pressed and squeezed fruit and contains no preservatives or additives. Continues van Jaarsveld: “Our product is made more appealing by its environmentally sound packaging which can be transported at either ambient or room temperatures, so energy is saved during distribution. The packages are lightweight and can be packed like building blocks, thus saving space and reducing fuel emissions.” This efficient packaging has allowed the company to increase their exports. John Thompson Boiler and Environmental Solutions, which designs, manufactures, constructs and maintains utility and industrial boilers, is also a confirmed exhibitor for AB7. Neil Berry, regional sales manager, is excited about the potential AB7 offers for diversifying their client base. “We are really looking forward to this year’s show and hope to conclude some good business deals”, he says. ends ****************************** African market beckons world’s Food and Beverage Industry Africa is not the unlikely investment some think it is. With its consumer markets growing at an annual rate of over 6% compared to the United States (2%) and the European Union (2%), Africa offers significant market expansion potential for local and foreign businesses, especially in the food and beverage sector. Africa’s Big Seven Expo (AB7), the continent’s biggest dedicated food and beverage trade show, offers an incomparable platform for food and beverage producers and manufacturers to develop and expand their operations into Africa. AB7 takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg, South Africa, from 25 to 27 July 2010. Food and beverage sectors around the world experienced a downturn in 2009. However, the outlook for Africa in 2010 is far more positive. Predictions are that the African retail, food and drink industries will bounce back this year, with their annualised growth performance beaten only by the automotive industry. Why is expansion into Africa good for business? “In 2009, Harvard Business Review and Time magazine said that doing business in Africa was one of the best business ideas,” says John Thomson, the Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of Africa’s Big Seven Expo. The agricultural and food production sector is the second largest in Africa after oil and gas. A number of multinational companies view Africa as the ‘next new frontier’ for expanding their operations and markets. Many foreign businesses are thriving there. The Jaipuria Group, a large business holding in India, has already announced plans to expand its beverage operations in Africa, with three new bottling plants under construction in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. In addition, 80 other Indian companies are already investing in the lucrative agricultural sector in Africa. African companies are also taking advantage of other opportunities in greater Africa. Some regional retail companies are crossing borders and expanding their operations by franchising their outlets to local entrepreneurs, successfully increasing profits by competing with the local informal market. Historically, Africa’s image has been tarnished by perceived levels of poverty. Although there are 450 million Africans living below the poverty line, there are almost half a billion consumers buying goods. African and foreign business marketers are focused on reaching out to that population. And out of Africa’s population of one-billion, its middle class is estimated at 150-million and rapidly expanding, with a purchasing power on par with that of the rest of the world. This represents enormous potential for economic growth. “Food and beverage companies are using AB7 to leverage valuable in-roads into many other African markets,” adds Thomson. “AB7 is Africa’s biggest and best food and beverage marketing event,” adds Thomson. “It is a unique platform that offers a genuine gateway into Africa, where all stakeholders can meet under one roof; from agribusiness, manufacturers and suppliers, to wholesalers, agents and retailers,” concludes Thomson. ends ****************************** 2010 Interbake Trade Show on the rise The Interbake trade show, an integral part of Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Trade Expo (AB7), has proven itself a key event in the bakery and confectionery industry calendar. It is a ‘one-stop’ shop for bakers. Interbake encompasses everything from baking ingredients, premix ingredients, ready mixes and baking equipment to self-ready products. Following the extraordinary success of Interbake Africa 2009, John Thomson, the Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of the AB7 expo adds, “That success is yet further testimony of the fact that Interbake Africa raises expectations and delivers results to its participants.” Again this year, Interbake Africa takes place as part of Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) Food and Beverage Expo at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg, South Africa, from 25 to 27 July 2010. A rapidly expanding middle class in southern Africa, combined with subtly changing eating habits amongst the consumers in that region, has seen bakery products growing in popularity. The extent of this growth coincides with a dramatic increase in the number of in-store bakeries. This indicates that there is growing demand for bakery products and a concomitant resilience in the bakery and confectionery industry. According to the South African Chamber of Baking, there are an estimated 600 in-store bakeries amongst the major supermarket groups, 250 franchise bakeries and up to 4 500 small independent bakeries and in-store café bakeries. And it appears that quality and convenience will edge ahead of price on the list of consumer demands. It is this convenience that is driving patterns of consumption of bakery foodstuffs. Also, the demand for healthier bakery products has increased. Even in the midst of the current recession, consumers are insisting on healthy products, which is good news for those bakeries that are developing healthy new products that address diet restrictions. Traditionally, maize meal is the cheapest carbohydrate based on price per kilojoules. However, indicators have shown that human consumption of maize has decreased since 2002, while the consumption of wheat has increased. Thus bread has become a very important staple in most homes in South Africa and the bread industry is worth an estimated R12 billion, and growing, every year. Despite the positive outlook for 2010, the bakery industry is exercising caution as consumer spending in the last quarter of 2009 remained tepid. As Thomson points out, “Bakers can’t control consumer patterns, but they can control their operations, so the focus needs to be on streamlining production and distribution in 2010. The best way to enhance your business model, benefit from new trends and network with local and international experts is to exhibit at Interbake Africa.” Better Batters is exhibitor that has identified Africa’s Big Seven Expo, and specifically Interbake Africa, as a prime marketplace to network and secure new business. The company manufacturers frozen batters for catering and hospitality industries, retail outlets and even home consumers in South Africa. AB7 2009 hosted 238 companies from 39 countries. This year has seen numerous new local companies signing on to showcase their products to local buyers, as well as penetrate the African market. ends ******************************
Is your target market the restaurant, hotel, catering and If the answer is yes, we have an event that’s making great in-roads into this market and could give your company a real mid year sales boost in 2010. FoodBiz Africa was launched as part of the food and beverage line up at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) in 2008. That year it captured 11.9% of the visitorship to AB7. This year FoodBiz visitors doubled to 22.7% of the 7,542 attendees from 45 countries. Next year we expect similar growth. Why? Because AB7 is the only event on the continent with a genuinely international flavour and appeal. Apart from the visitors recorded from 45 countries we boasted 238 exhibiting companies from 39 countries. They exhibited 2,117 items under 392 product categories. No other event even comes close. In addition to the above we focus on Halaal – the fastest growing segment of the food industry worldwide. Halaal World attracts a growing visitorship – Moslem and non-moslem alike. But it’s not all about numbers – AB7 delivers a quality audience. In 2009 58.1% of visitors were owners, MD’s or directors of companies (up from 48.2% in 2008). 92% of visitors interviewed said they made new business contacts whilst 90% said they would visit again in 2010. More importantly 86% of visitors said they would recommend to their business colleagues that they also attend in 2010. Word of mouth advertising – it’s the best – that’s why we are confident that the expo will keep on growing and keep on delivering business for its exhibitors. It’s budget time Whilst you consider your promotional plans and costings for 2010 it’s good to reflect on what type of activities give you the best returns on your investment (ROI). Exhibitions are the only medium that give you a measurable ROI – and for little more than a full page advertisement the value of which you have no quantifiable way of assessing. So to find out how we can contribute to your bottom line next year, email Rory Stewart at sales2@exhibitionsafrica.com Please send me:
ends ****************************** DrinkTech Africa joins Africa’s Big Seven Trade Show and Conference The organisers of Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) the continent’s food and beverage industry trade show are delighted by the enthusiastic response from the beverage industry to DrinkTech Africa, a new addition to the AB7 exhibition collective. DrinkTech Africa, a dedicated exhibition and conference formatted to service the continent’s growing beverage and liquid food market, will alternate annual appearances with IFMA, the International Fair for the Meat Industries of Africa. ends ****************************** Cape Food and Beverage Sector With recent figures released by Statistics SA showing a decline in income for the food and beverage sector in 2009, companies in the Cape are using the business growth opportunities that Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) offers to expand their markets into Africa. A number of Cape-based companies have already signed up for this year’s international food and beverage trade show, which takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg from 25 to 27 July 2010.
ends ****************************** Malaysian Palm Oil Cashes In At Africa’s Big Seven The Malaysian palm oil industry will arrive in force at this year’s Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) food and beverage trade expo, showcasing its products to the African market. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council has announced that it will host a pavilion at the show. AB7 - Africa’s largest food and beverage trade expo - takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg, South Africa, from 25 to 27 July 2010. According to Kumar Uthaya, South Africa’s representative for the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysian companies – ranging from multi-nationals to medium and small companies – are eager to participate in this year’s show. “AB7 provides the perfect venue to establish, renew and widen customer contacts, as well as foster a better understanding with the African region’s buyers, manufacturers and end-users in the oils and fats industry,” he says. “In 2007, AB7 provided a very conducive environment for interaction between members of the Malaysian palm oil industry and buyers in the sub-Saharan African region.” The MPOC first exhibited at AB7 in 2007 and currently has many companies already showing huge interest in participating. “With a market of over 725 million consumers, Africa offers huge potential for market growth,” he adds. MPOC’s objectives of participating in the show are threefold: to generate awareness of the nutritional benefits and advantages of palm oil for the food industry in Africa; to promote greater usage of Malaysian palm oil and related products; and, to broaden their contact base in the region. Malaysia is one of the biggest producers and exporters of palm oil in the world, accounting for 11% of the world’s oil production and 27% of the export trade. In order to maintain its global status in terms of palm oil production and trade, the country has adopted a very proactive approach to marketing palm oil products by participating in related industry conferences around the world, as well as attending trade shows and exhibitions around the world. According to Uthaya, about 80% of all palm oil production is used for food applications. The Malaysian pavilion at AB7 2010 will showcase the wide-ranging uses of palm oil. These include its use as an emulsifier and specialty fat for cakes, pastries, margarines, ice-creams and a wide range of other food products. It is also a cocoa butter substitute. Consumed worldwide in more than 100 countries, palm oil is more familiar as a refined vegetable oil product purchased at a local store and incorporated into everyday foods. Many foods are now made using palm oil - including baked goods, instant noodles, baby formula, cake mixes, breakfast bars, potato chips, crackers and other snacks. John Thomson, managing director of Exhibition Management Services, the organisers of AB7, believes that Africa represents a huge export destination for food and beverage producing companies. “To maintain growth in today’s economic climate, companies must be able to penetrate foreign markets. AB7 provides an incomparable platform for producers and manufacturers to develop and expand their businesses, especially into Africa. For example, exhibitors and visitors from 45 countries around the world were represented at the 2009 show,” he adds. ends ****************************** Zambia’s agro processing sector reaps benefits Zambia is one of a growing number of African countries that participate at Africa’s Big Seven – a food and beverage trade show held annually in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Zambian pavilion hosted in association with the USAID funded MATEP project (Market Access Trade Enabling Policy) has exhibited for the last three years. The first year saw a number of South African based supermarket chains passing through and meeting with the exhibitors. In the second year exhibitors landed signed orders for over US$ 1,000,000 and in 2009 13 companies generated business valued at US$ 2 million. MATEP is a five year project designed to increase Zambia’s exports of agricultural and natural resource products into regional and international markets. It is a results orientated project that is intended to make exports happen. It’s the results rationale that got them exhibiting at Africa’s Big Seven alongside international participants from 39 other countries. Africa’s Big Seven – the only event of its kind on the continent - is proving increasingly worthwhile for those companies that exhibit. Comments from exhibitors pleased with the response to their presence at the show include: ‘A huge success. We left with an overwhelming response, generating substantially more business than anticipated’ – Cashmaster/UK; ‘On the first day of the show we made more qualified contacts than we achieved from combined results of 3 shows earlier this year in London, Birmingham and Ireland’ - CSB- Sytems/Germany; ‘Locally we are firmly established but our aim was to promote export into Africa – we fulfilled this during the show and made many African contacts’ – Oceana Brands/South Africa; ‘Our products will soon be on South African supermarket shelves. This is the first time we are bringing over Premier Tea products to South Africa and we are extremely impressed with the quality of the expo’ – Premier Tea/India. The fact that AB7, unlike many trade shows, actually delivers sales was reinforced by Wayne Bateman, project manager at the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The SMME Export Development Programme that he heads had eight new prospective exporters exhibiting under the JCCI banner. “We had export enquiries to the value of R 16,5 million (US$ 1,65 million)” said Bateman. “We are very happy with the outcome and are looking forward to more business in 2010”. Zambia was one of the first of an increasing number of African countries whose businessmen support AB7 either through national pavilions or in their own right. The 2009 event saw participation from Botswana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The organisers, Johannesburg-based Exhibition Management Services (Pty) Ltd, (EMS) report that in 2010 they expect these countries to be joined by others keen to reap the rewards that AB7 offers. This growing attendance adds increasing value to all stakeholders according to Lwazi Mhlongo, Agri-Business and Marketing Manager, National Agricultural Marketing Board – Swaziland. She went on to say “What was interesting to see was the amount of trade going on, the information sharing and the networking. Interesting to note as well was the country representation. More and more African countries are participating in agriculture But it’s not just the Africa presence that is growing at AB7: international companies, exporters, traders and joint venture seekers see the event as a cost-effective entrée into the markets of the continent. Last year’s representation from 39 countries is already swelled by the confirmed addition of Spain, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates for 2010. AB7 – its name derives from the 7 elements that make up the event – is the largest event of its kind in Africa. It’s the only expo on the continent that provides such a platform and facilitates such wide-ranging business opportunities, networking possibilities and the chance to gain international recognition for your goods and services”, says John Thomson, Managing Director of EMS. The event showcases products and services from fresh and produced foods to speciality foods and beverages, from export to import, as well as retail manufacturing processes. “Business opportunities arise not just from visitors to the show”, Thomson continues. “A number of deals were signed between exhibitors”. The seven co-located events to be found at AB7 are Agri-Food - Manufacturers & Producers Expo; Pan Africa Retail Trade exhibition; FoodTech Africa - International Food & Beverage Trade Fair; Interbake Africa – Baking Ingredients, Processes and Equipment; DrinkTech Africa, FoodBiz – Food, service & equipment; and Retail Solutions. Included in the above line-up and cutting across all sectors is “Halaal World”. With Halaal Food being one of the fastest growing food sectors around the globe, currently estimated at a worth of US$ 580.91 billion, Halaal World will once again form part of AB7. This sector’s focus will be on highlighting the various opportunities available for Halaal foodstuffs and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). AB7 has been running for many years and has earned a solid reputation for ‘delivering’. Of the over 7,500 visitors that attended from 45 countries in 2009, 92% said they had made new business contacts, 91% said they would visit again in 2010 and 86% said they would recommend that business colleagues also attended. With credentials like this, no wonder AB7 keeps growing its exhibitor and visitor numbers. The 2010 event is scheduled for July 25-27at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa - opening day is traditionally a Sunday to allow hard-pressed businessmen time to attend. With Zambia’s wealth of natural resources, the burgeoning horticultural sector that contributes between 7%-12% of the country’s exports, and its potential for honey, aquaculture and meat exports, AB7 is truly ‘the road to riches’. ends ****************************** Africa’s Big Seven Food Expo lures Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is a seven-shows-in-one food and beverage trade expo that showcases new products, services, equipment and technology for the food and beverage industry. AB7 is held in South Africa annually and takes place from 25 to 27 July this year at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg in South Africa. FoodTech Africa, the second most popular show in the expo, showcases food products and ingredients, additives and flavourings, manufacturing technologies, production systems, and processing and packaging equipment. “With Africa’s burgeoning consumer population with its growing spending power, FoodTech remains the most effective trade show for accessing both international and African retail markets,” says John Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the event. “Despite a tough trading year in 2009, industries such as food packaging have remained dynamic and responded extremely well to changing market needs. One area that has witnessed a wealth of innovative development is sustainable packaging. This includes reduced raw materials and energy consumption, and the use of eco-friendly, renewable and recycled content in packaging production. “Other new trends in the packaging industry benefiting consumers include the colour-coding of packaging to make shopping for retail goods easier and simpler, and cleaner front-of-package information and nutritional facts to aid consumer choice. “Food suppliers and manufacturers will once again have the opportunity to showcase their latest innovations to a large group of decision-makers in the food and beverage sector,” says Thomson. Packaging manufacturer Apac Enterprises is one of several exhibitors that have already booked their stand for this year’s expo. The first-time exhibitor aims to gain access to many foreign markets. “We have marketed our products locally, and strongly believe that being a part of FoodTech Africa will give us a lot of exposure in other markets, especially in Africa,” says Annie Zhu, Apac Enterprise’s Manager. Nutrition, health and wellness are also major trends that are driving the development of new food and beverage products and technologies in Africa. The growing demand for a wide range of liquid foods and beverages has resulted in the organisers adding another show to this year’s expo. DrinkTech Africa will showcase the latest products, raw materials, ingredients, production equipment, systems and technology currently available for all aspects of beverage production. These include manufacturing, filling, packaging and distribution. Thomson says the decision to add DrinkTech Africa to AB7 stems from a long standing need to showcase the sector. “Global bottled water consumption increased by 4,5% to 218 billion litres in 2008. This presents significant opportunities in the sector. The African market increased by 14%, with South Africa one of the fastest growing markets.” According to Charlotte Metcalf, Technical Manager of the SA National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA), consumption of bottled water in South Africa increased by 5% to 370 million litres between 2007 and 2008, worth about R3-billion. And yet the whole of Africa only constitutes 3.3% of the global market. Thomson believes that the large number of participating countries in AB7, coupled with ongoing growth in visitor attendance provides an incomparable opportunity for new exhibitors in the beverage sector. 2009 saw exhibitors from 39 countries and buyers from 45 countries. ends ****************************** Secure Cold Chain essential for intact perishables delivery Refrigeration systems will come under the spotlight at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) Food and Beverage Expo, which takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg from 25 to 27 July 2010. John Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the AB7 Expo says that the refrigeration issue is an undisputable fact of life for perishable food producers. “Refrigeration is an essential technology of the food industry and is constantly under the spotlight as one of the areas that poses the most problems, and needs to be improved upon across the cold chain. “Most consumers are familiar with refrigerated display shelves and freezer cabinets that are omnipresent in the retail food environment,” adds Thomson. “Few realise that that many of the fresh fruit and vegetable products openly displayed in stores were transported there in refrigerated trucks to preserve their freshness prior to unpacking and display. These refrigeration systems are an integral and indispensible end component of the cold chain.” Transportation routes can vary from local or regional channels to vast distances halfway around the world. Any minor fluctuation in the specified temperature of transported foodstuffs can cause irreversible damage to the commodity, making it unfit for its intended market. This naturally results in considerable losses to producers and transporters alike. So a secure cold chain at any point in the distribution channel is vital for the commercial success of perishable food and beverage producers, distributors and retailers alike. According to Safmarine, the global percentage of refrigerated container use rises every year and will represent 60% of all global refrigerated transport by 2015. Refrigerated containers enable fruit, vegetables and other perishable products to be carried into markets that have previously been inaccessible due to lengthy transit times. Refrigerated containers can easily be transferred to flatbed trucks for onward transport to distributors and retailers. South African grapes, citrus, pears and apples are frequently exported by ship to foreign markets in refrigerated containers. In fact, the country exports such a large variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables that Safmarine is engaged in shipping these products almost all year round. For regional and cross border transportation of perishable goods, refrigerated reefer trucks and trailers are extensively used in Africa. These units need to be extremely reliable considering the high temperatures prevalent in the subcontinent, and the frequent delays at border posts experienced by transporters. It is clear that efficient refrigerated transport is more than just having a fridge unit in a truck. To conform to cold chain standards, the transporters also need to understand the products, their optimal transit temperatures and the reliability of their equipment. Competent staffing is also vital to the success of the cold chain. “AB7 is an excellent platform for stakeholders to expose their refrigeration products and services to a focused, business-orientated audience, and gain insights into the latest trends, technologies and products in the industry,” concludes Thomson. ends ****************************** Packaging vital for Africa’s food export aspirations The world market for specialised food and beverage packaging, conservatively valued at US$310 billion in 2009, is growing at 3% annually. The food packaging industry has recently become driven by technological advancements and design innovation, with growing environmental concerns for the need to increase both the quality and sustainability of packaging. Considering the annual growth of both the packaging market and the food and beverage market, there are huge prospects for packaging companies operating in this sector to expand their markets and find new customers. Likewise, producers seeking packaging partners are sure to benefit from the growing number of participants in the industry. Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is the largest food and beverage industry trade expo on the African continent, and will showcase all the latest food and beverage industry trends and product offerings across seven food and beverage trade shows, all unified under one roof. AB7 takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg, South Africa, from 25 to 27 July 2010. “Innovative and effective packaging is the key marketing lever to ensure successful competition in new and developed markets,” says John Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the AB7 Expo. “Packaging assumes critical importance for producers, particularly when they decide to export their products. The general quality of their packaging needs to be raised, both inside and out, so that the contents are adequately protected during transport and the consumer gets a quality product. External package marketing messages and information must also be carefully handled, especially when intended for foreign markets. This is where the services of a professional packaging partner are invaluable.” “Even without the recent economic turmoil around the world, food and beverage product marketers still need to be creative and innovative in their quest to place their products at the forefront of consumer attention. How they utilise their packaging to differentiate their products above all others, and effectively communicate its benefits to consumers, is critical to the success of their business.” Competing in global markets means adopting strategies that ensure success. An initiative that has played a vital role in making markets more accessible for African producers is ComMark. The Department for International Development (DFID) tasked ComMark, a regional developmental agency, to implement the Regional Standards Programme (RSP) in Southern Africa from 2006 to 2010. The purpose of the RSP is to aid SADC countries and businesses to meet international food quality and safety standards for agri-business products. ends ****************************** The food processing industry in the Eastern Cape can harvest countless opportunities from local, national and international businesses and investors, thanks to the rich diversity of agricultural and livestock products found in the province. A wide variety of organic produce such as fresh meat, fruits and vegetables are grown there, and these provide additional channels for the canning, juicing and processing of locally grown produce for domestic and international markets. ends ****************************** The Joburg Market (formerly known as the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, the largest fresh produce market in Africa, will participate in the continent’s biggest food and beverage expo, Africa’s Big Seven (AB7). ends ****************************** Booming trade between Turkey and Africa is set to be bolstered by a large contingent of Turkish manufacturers exhibiting at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the continent’s biggest food and beverage trade exhibition. Volumes of trade between Turkey and Africa trebled between 2003 and 2007, and this year an even larger delegation of Turkish business owners and manufacturing entrepreneurs are exhibiting at AB7 to penetrate all corners of the expanding African market. In 2008, Turkey’s trade with Africa grew by 31 percent to $16.8-billion, up from $12.8-billion the previous year. Turkish exports to Africa increased by 51 percent to $9.1-billion during the same period, while its imports from the continent expanded by 14 percent to $7.8-billion. One-third of this trade was with sub-Saharan Africa, and the potential for further trade growth is vast. “In 2008 only five percent of Turkey’s total annual trade value was with 53 African countries,” says John Thomson, managing director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of Africa’s Big Seven. “Turkey has acknowledged the importance of strengthening its economic relations with Africa and is actively pursuing it as a commercial market, which translates into abundant opportunities for Africa.” Turkey is the largest producer and exporter of agricultural products to the Near East and North Africa, and the largest producer of milk and dairy products to the same region. It is also a major producer of cucumbers, gherkins, tomatoes and tomato products, sugar preserved fruits and canned fruits and vegetables, and exports these into Europe. Turkey’s aim is to increase trade volumes with Africa to $30-billion by the end of 2010, according to comments by Turkish Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan. Processed food products are in great demand in Africa, along with ingredients and equipment for a growing food processing industry. A number of leading producers, suppliers and manufacturers in the Turkish food and beverage industry have confirmed their participation in AB7. ? Sarmarsik, a manufacturer of advanced bakery equipment and processing systems will be showcasing their latest products. These include multi-deck tunnel ovens, adjustable track conical rounder systems, dosing and dropping machines for biscuit production in small and medium-sized bakeries and patisseries, conveyor-type pizza ovens as well as step-system proofer units. ? Eksper Gida has an export product portfolio that includes a wide range of bakery ingredients including margarines and catering fats, vegetable oils, consumer margarine packs, bread improvers, bread mixes, cake mixes and jellies, baking powder, vanilla flavouring, pasta products and packaged whipped cream. ? Wafer and chocolate machine manufacturer and installer Göçmen Machine will exhibit their full range of confectionary equipment. The company, which provides turnkey delivery solutions to its customers, supplies automatic wafer dough processing systems, automatic wafer furnaces and cooling conveyors, automatic cream spreading machines and wafer cutting presses. ? A leading producer of various beverage and pastry products, Limpo has over 90 percent of the market share in Turkey. Their over 150 product offerings include cocktail mixes, lemon sauces, natural food concentrates, pastry fruit concentrates, decorative jellies, profiterole sauces, bakery additives, marzipan dough and hot ice-cream sauces. ? Pakmaya, one of the world’s largest yeast manufacturers, will showcase its products at AB7. The company produces fresh baker's yeasts, active dry baker's yeasts and instant dry baker's yeasts in its three factories located in Turkey and Romania. The company also produces pastry products such as cake improvers, cacao glaze, caramel glaze, baking powder, sugar vanillin, croissant improvers, and flour improvers for several types of flours. ? Major wheat flour manufacturer and marketer Sinangil will display products aimed at both the retail and industrial bakery markets. The 45-year-old company was the first to introduce packaged retail flour to the Turkish market. Sinangil markets multipurpose packaged flour, special purpose packaged flour, cake flour, functional flavour, ready-made bread mixtures, gluten-free flour and traditional flour. Its industrial product range comprises cake mixes, patisserie powder mixes, garner bread mixes, power bread mixes and industrial flour. Africa’s Big Seven is attracting even more interest from international producers and buyers. Thomson believes that this year’s show will draw an even bigger contingent of exhibitors and trade visitors than the 7 500 delegates who attended last year. “The networking and business opportunities that AB7 offers exhibitors and traders extends far beyond just the expo,” continues Thomson. “Our sector-specific business match-making programme enables exhibitors to interact with like-minded, pre-profiled buyers and decision-makers.” ends ****************************** The trend towards processed, packaged, easy-to-prepare foods by consumers is not limited to European, Middle Eastern and North American markets. Consumers all through Africa are showing a preference towards food and beverage products easily available in supermarkets and food stores. ends ****************************** This year, Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) Food and Beverage Trade Expo features the inaugural DrinkTech Africa, a new addition to the AB7 trade show stable. ends ****************************** The trend towards processed, packaged, easy-to-prepare foods by consumers is not limited to European, Middle Eastern and North American markets. Consumers all through Africa are showing a preference towards food and beverage products easily available in supermarkets and food stores. ends ****************************** Last year The Economist predicted that seven of the world’s fastest growing economies would be in Africa whilst the Harvard Business Review and Time magazine both said that doing business in Africa was one of the ‘best business ideas’ around. There is no doubt that business in Africa is on the move and the world is taking notice. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the growth shown in the last couple of years by the continent’s largest food and beverage industry trade exhibition – Africa’s Big Seven (AB7). The last exhibition held in July 2009 attracted exhibitors from 39 different countries all eager to find new business opportunities while visitors from 45 countries came to take advantage of their presence. “We have doubled the available exhibition space for 2010 and this has already sold out three months before the exposition starts on the 25th July,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of organisers Exhibition Management Services. “We are looking forward to showcasing new products, technologies, ingredients, packaging and food processing equipment from first time exhibitors from Spain, France, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, in addition to our existing participants from India, Turkey, China, Pakistan, Egypt, Mauritius and all other countries that take part.” The Seven Components The largest variety of products to be found on the continent What the exhibitors think The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market is again exhibiting at this year’s AB7 to take advantage of the many excellent networking opportunities and showcase its capabilities to the ever-growing international food and beverage market. “AB7 creates enormous opportunities for us to increase our African footprint and at the same time provide more trading prospects for the farmers we support,” says Thomas Mawasha, JFPM’s marketing manager. “We have targeted Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana as part of our expansion programme, where we will establish pilot produce market operations.” According to Kumar Uthaya, South Africa’s representative at the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysian companies, ranging from multi-nationals to medium and small companies, are eager to participate in this year’s show. “AB7 provides the perfect venue to establish, renew and widen customer contacts, as well as foster a better understanding of the region’s buyers, manufacturers and end-users in the oils and fats industry,” he says. “AB7 provided a conducive environment for networking between members of the Malaysian palm oil industry and buyers in the sub-Saharan African region.” Another exhibitor at this year’s FoodTech Africa is Heat and Control Inc., a leading manufacturer of food processing and packaging equipment. The company designs and builds fryers, ovens, branders, searers, breading and batter applicators. Their equipment produces and packages superior quality prepared meats, poultry and seafood, french fries and baked and fried snacks. Its equipment can produce thousands of kilogrammes of finished product per hour. “One of the world’s oldest beverage producers returns to AB7 this year,” continues Thomson. “Aguas de Mondariz has been bottling its premium award-winning Mondariz natural mineral water in Pontevedra, Spain, since 1873. Last year the company produced 98 million litres of bottled water. The water is sold in 30 countries on five continents, bringing a turnover of €20-million. Mondariz is planning to expand its international distribution network, particularly into African markets. Joint Expo with SAITEX There are almost limitless networking opportunities at AB7. Last year 238 companies from 39 countries exhibited, with more expected in 2010. The organisers offer a free matchmaking service that allows buyers interested in specific products to link up with appropriate exhibitors at the expo by programming pre-profiled, pre-selected and pre-scheduled meetings throughout all three days of the event. Exhibitors and visitors simply have to log on to www.exhibitionsafrica.com to take advantage of this opportunity. AB7 Delivers Results Entrance into the exhibition is free, and open to businesses who have a stake in the food and beverage industry. AB7’s winning recipe has kept all its exhibitors and visitors informed, delighted and well fed since 1999 – and they keep coming back for more! Ninety-five percent of visitors last year praised the joint hosting of AB7 and SAITEX, and 86 percent said they would recommend the shows to colleagues. New business contacts were made by 92 percent of visitors; and 90 percent said the shows were of value to retailers and they would return for 2010. ends ****************************** Looking for a reason to attend Africa’s Big Seven? “Anyone who is even remotely involved in the food and beverage industry should be a part of AB7,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, the organisers of the biggest food and beverage trade expo on the African continent. “AB7 is a conglomerate of seven trade shows, each covering a specific sector of the food and beverage industry,” continues Thomson. “Each show highlights the wide range of products, technologies, equipment and services available in food and beverage production, from harvesting and processing to manufacturing, packaging and retailing.” AB7’s component shows focus on the most active areas of the food industry. Agri-Food focuses on farm produce and the manufacturers who process it, Foodbiz Africa covers products and equipment in the massive consumer food service industry, DrinkTech Africa covers the equally large beverage processing and packaging industry, FoodTech Africa showcases technology and equipment in the entire food and beverage sector, and InterBake Africa is all about baking. The Pan Africa Retail Trade Exhibition focuses on food and beverage merchandising, and Retail Solutions Africa covers retail technology. AB7 takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg, South Africa from 25 to 27 July 2010. Offering a ‘Feast of Choice’ from over 2 000 items in 400 product categories, Africa’s Big Seven is ideal for small business owners and independent retailers. Food industry traders can interact with producers of leading brands and gain insights into the latest trends impacting on the global food industry. Buyers can compare products by testing them in a ‘live’ environment and make informed decisions about their suppliers. AB7 is also the perfect forum to source fresh ideas and new products for additional revenue streams to maximise sales potential. There are almost limitless networking opportunities at AB7. Last year 238 companies from 39 countries exhibited, with more expected in 2010. AB7’s matchmaking programme was highly successful last year, and the organisers will repeat the service. Exhibitors and visitors can use the free internet-based matchmaking programme to arrange pre-profiled, pre-selected and pre-scheduled matchmaking meetings for all three days of the show. The newest addition to the AB7 stable is DrinkTech Africa, a dedicated beverage expo making its début at this year’s show, launched in response to the growing demand for beverages and liquid foods. Products on show include beer, spirits, milk and liquid dairy beverages, fruit juices, wines, bottled water, tea, coffee, energy and wellness drinks and many other beverages. Entrance into the exhibition is free, and open to traders who have a stake in the food and beverage industry. AB7’s winning recipe has kept all its exhibitors and visitors informed, delighted and well fed since 1999 – and they keep coming back for more! ends ****************************** The trend towards processed, packaged, easy-to-prepare foods by consumers is not limited to European, Middle Eastern and North American markets. Consumers all through Africa are showing a preference towards food and beverage products easily available in supermarkets and food stores. “Food production has outpaced population growth in many countries in Africa, with reasonably vibrant agricultural sectors generating a wide range of produce. This provides numerous opportunities, both for food producers and manufacturers who construct, install and maintain food processing plants,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, the organisers of Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) Food and Beverage Trade Expo. Another exhibitor at this year’s Food Tech Africa is Heat and Control Inc., a leading manufacturer of food processing and packaging equipment. The company designs and builds fryers, ovens, branders, searers, breading and batter applicators. Their equipment produces and packages superior quality prepared meats, poultry and seafood, french fries, baked and fried snacks. Its equipment can produce thousands of kilograms of finished product per hour. First time Foodtech exhibitor J-PAK is a 34-year-old South African company that supplies packaging machinery, coding and waste-free, sell-by date-marking systems as well as quality inspection equipment. Piet Van Coller, J-PAK’s Sales and Marketing Director says that most of his company’s business comes from inside South Africa. “Any manufacturer or retailer in any industry will benefit from using our equipment,” says Van Coller. “Our packaging products cover a wide range of applications in food, healthcare, consumer goods and automotive products. Our coding systems are highly effective in tracking stock movements, and we also supply conveyor systems and metal contaminant detection equipment to the food industry. Tiger Brands and Cadbury’s are just two of our major clients in this area,” adds Van Coller. J-PAK is also a member of the SA National Bottled Water Association. “AB7 is recognised as Africa’s most influential and powerful networking and sales event in the continental food industry,” says Thomson. “Food Tech Africa is an integral part of AB7, focusing on manufacturing technologies, production, processing and packaging equipment, ingredients, flavourings and additives. It attracts key suppliers and buyers from across the African continent and the rest of the world. AB7 is an ideal networking platform for manufacturing companies to become involved in the broader food processing sector. “Post expo statistics from AB7 2009 revealed that 51 percent of all visitors could authorise transactions, and nearly 60 percent were business owners, managing directors or directors of companies. ends ****************************** The food production industry in Kwazulu-Natal has massive potential to expand trade opportunities in agri-business throughout Southern Africa, the African continent and abroad. The province has over 6.5-million hectares of land suitable for agriculture and livestock farming activities, and is the country’s best watered province with over 1 000mm of average rainfall a year. “Kwazulu-Natal is an important contributor to South Africa’s agricultural output,” says John Thomson, managing director of Exhibition Management Services, the organisers of Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the biggest food and beverage trade show on the continent. “Food and beverage producing businesses in Kwazulu-Natal will have an effective business networking and trade expansion platform at this year’s AB7,” continues Thomson. ”What makes AB7 unique is the fact that it’s the only food related trade exhibition that is a genuine portal into Africa and the rest of the world. It is the only forum where all role players can meet under one roof – manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers and everyone else in between.” AB7 takes place from 25 to 27 July 2010 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg, South Africa. Sugarcane is a mainstay crop in Kwazulu-Natal, along with a wide variety of other agricultural products such as soya beans, cashew nuts, maize, vegetables and many subtropical fruits, especially bananas and pineapples. Manufactured products from the province include jams and juices. Tongaat Hulett is a world leader in sugar milling technology with a 100-year history in Kwazulu-Natal. The La Lucia-based company’s Huletts brand holds a 48 percent share of the Southern African retail sugar products market, which says a great deal about the opportunities that exist in the province. Bakery group Sasko operates a maize mill in Estcourt and a wheat mill in Durban, while cereal brand Nature’s Choice and the Ceres Beverage Company also run factories in Durban. Kwazulu-Natal is a major livestock farming area in South Africa, with extensive herds of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens making up 20 percent of the country’s total livestock population. Orange Grove Dairy, based in Dundee, delivers over 200 dairy products across Kwazulu-Natal; Clover, a dairy firm with roots in the province, produces milk at its plant in Queensburgh and milk powder at a factory in Estcourt. Rainbow, South Africa’s largest chicken producer and marketer, operates from its head office in Westville near Durban. Its core business produces 4-million broilers a week, in addition to feed mill, processing and value-added ready-to-eat whole chickens and chicken nugget products. The Kwazulu-Natal provincial government is sponsoring two interesting fish farming developments; a pilot finfish farm near Sokhulu and a white prawn farm on the coast. Fine wines are no longer the preserve of the Western Cape. Kwazulu-Natal is building its own wine industry. The iLembe district municipality has partnered with the province’s first wine farm, Stables Wine Estate near Greytown, to promote the area as a new wine farm destination. Its wines have already won medals, proving that quality wines can be produced in KZN. The province also boasts a beer route, with five new independent small breweries. Beer connoisseurs from around the world come to sample beer from the Firkin Brew Pub in Westville; the Nottingham Road Brewery, the Farmers Brewery near Dundee, and the Wartburg Hof Brewery and Zululand Company Brewery, both in Eshowe. “These are just a few examples of the myriad opportunities available to food and beverage producers, processors and manufacturers in Kwazulu-Natal”, says Thomson. “AB7 acts as a catalyst for entrepreneurs and businessmen to capitalise on ever-increasing demand from both local and overseas markets.” AB7 2009 saw 238 companies from 45 countries exhibit at the show, with over 7 500 visitors from 45 countries attending. Included amongst these were companies from 15 African countries that exhibited, as well as companies from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. “The show acts as an international supply chain for the global food and beverage industry,” adds Thomson. Many exhibitors concur. “Locally we are firmly established, but our aim (in exhibiting) was to investigate and promote exports into Africa,” says Gavin Rhodes-Harrison, Managing Director of Oceana Brands, an exhibitor at last year’s show. “We fulfilled that during the show and made many African contacts”. The company markets branded canned fish products locally in southern Africa and internationally to a diverse range of customers and distributors. Fontana Manufacturers, an Umkomaas-based supplier of quality plastic and metal components to the packaging industry, will be making its début at this year’s show. 37 years of experience in the manufacturing of steel closures and 20 years’ experience in the manufacturing of plastic components, combined with a commitment to producing innovative quality products, has placed Fontana Manufacturers in a position to be able to serve a global base. “We are really looking forward to this year’s show and hope to present our latest products to existing and new customers,” says Mara Fontana, (owner): The simultaneous hosting of AB7 Food and Beverage Expo and the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) at the same venue enables exhibitors and trade visitors to attend both shows. This added dimension further extends the food and beverage platform to include the broader consumer retail sector. An integral part of the show format is the popular internet-based business matchmaking programme for like-minded delegates, with pre-profiled, pre-selected and pre-scheduled matchmaking meetings for all three days of both AB7 and SAITEX shows. Once again Agrifica will host a two-day ‘Food Security for Africa’ conference discussing the theme ‘Africa as the potential solution to the World Food Crisis’. Topics will include: global food demand and supply trends; investor interest in food production in Africa; prospects for commercial agriculture in Africa, and interventions needed to achieve Africa’s food production potential. The AB7 expo is made up of seven composite shows: Agri-Food for food producers and manufacturers; FoodBiz Africa for food services and equipment; DrinkTech Africa focusing on beverage processing and packaging machinery, ingredients, production equipment and technology; FoodTech Africa for food production, processing and packaging; InterBake Africa for baking industry equipment, processes and ingredients; the Pan Africa Retail Trade Exhibition which showcases food, beverage, merchandise and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), and Retail Solutions Africa which specialises in technology for retailers. Last year’s AB7 2009 trade show was attended by 7 542 trade buyers. This year, a large number of new exhibitors – mostly local companies - have booked exhibition stands and other facilities in order to showcase their products to local and international customers, and especially to penetrate the increasingly lucrative African market. ends ****************************** Foodbiz Africa is a dedicated trade show integral to Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the continent’s biggest food and beverage trade show. Foodbiz Africa showcases food and beverage products, catering and processing equipment and service providers specifically focused on the broader foodservice industry. The show brings all suppliers and buyers together under one roof. “Last year, we had 7 542 people from 45 countries visiting the AB7 expo. Just over 22 percent of these came for Foodbiz Africa, more than twice the number attending the 2008 show,” reports John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the AB7 Expo. “We are expecting even more international visitors this year,” says Thomson. Africa’s Big Seven takes place simultaneously with the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) from 25 to 27 July 2010 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg. “If you’re even remotely involved in the food business, you need to be at Foodbiz Africa,” says Thomson. “The types of companies that exhibit at Foodbiz Africa are expressly interested in meeting customers from the wider foodservice sector such as cafés, coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, fast-food franchises, caterers, canteens, cinemas and kiosks, and the entire hospitality sector. All of these are vast industries in themselves, with widely differing needs in terms of products, equipment, suppliers and services. This is where Foodbiz Africa becomes highly effective as a networking platform for these businesses,” adds Thomson. “In the hospitality business, from the smallest B&B and guest house to the largest hotel and convention centre, operators have to feed their guests, offering a wide range of nourishing and appetising meals and popular beverages of the highest quality. All these and much more can be found at Foodbiz Africa.” Wintech Taparia, a UK-based manufacturer of snack-food processing and packaging machinery, will showcase its complete range of turnkey systems for processing potato chips, potato flakes, French fries, pellet snacks, extruded snacks, banana and cassava chips, ethnic snacks, vegetables and seafood. Johannesburg-based ICM Industries is the sole importer and agent of Ocean Power catering equipment for soft-serve ice-cream, frozen yoghurt, slush ice drinks, ice-cream cones, popcorn and candy-floss. The company exports to Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, and is planning to further expand into Africa by exhibiting at Foodbiz this year. The potential of fast-food franchising in Africa continues to grow. In South Africa, the fast-food sector has an annual turnover of almost R11-billion, and is expected to grow by R1-billion a year. Food franchising in the Middle East and North Africa is currently valued at over US$14-billion, with annual growth of 27 percent. Egypt tops the list with 290 franchises, an increase of 37 percent since 2005. “The franchise food industry has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon, sometimes straddling the line between gaudy fast-food outlets and trendy, individualised restaurant and pub chains,” adds Thomson. “All of them rely on top quality products and ingredients provided by dependable suppliers. Foodbiz Africa is the ideal platform to find the suppliers and buyers of these products.” “These facilities will need to be equipped with comprehensive catering and refrigeration systems, and stocked with quality produce from numerous suppliers,” says Thomson. “This is going to provide massive new opportunities for food, equipment and service suppliers in those regions, and as a side benefit, also offer employment to many local communities.” Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s Senior Vice President for Development: Africa and Europe, comments; “Africa is such an enormous continent. I believe that Africa provides a very wide and beautiful market, in the sense that there are so many different opportunities at different times.” “Functions, events and remote-site catering are two areas that currently offer the most growth opportunities in Botswana,” says Michael Dark, Operations Manager of Compass Botswana, a leading independent food service and integrated management organisation. “We also expect growth in areas such as outsourced catering, government tenders and facilities management,” adds Dark. ends ****************************** Trade between Africa and Asia is booming like never before, and it’s no surprise that India will again have a substantial presence on Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Expo (AB7) to be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 25 to 27 July. India is South Africa’s sixth-largest Asian trading partner, with total trade between the two countries reaching $4.4-billion in 2008. This figure is set to rise significantly following a tumultuous 2009. Indian companies are eager to get a chunk of the action at AB7, the 7-in-1 trade show that covers every aspect of the food and beverage industry, and the only event of its kind on the African continent. Indian Pavilion proves a perennial drawcard India exhibited for the first time at the AB7 Expo in 2003. The 30 companies that supported the Indian Pavilion in 2009 enjoyed considerable trade exposure. Premier Tea India, producers of various gourmet teas, reported excellent business leads at the show, which ultimately led to the appointment of their first South African distributor. Indian companies have returned en masse for this year’s event, and will install an even larger Indian Pavilion at AB7 to showcase new products and services. Visitors can expect to find tea, coffee, spices, rice, maize and cashew nuts amongst the many other familiar favourites from this country’s producers. Claiming a stake in Africa In order to be a contender within such a competitive market, countries must now adopt strategies that will ensure success. India’s export policies have been so successful that the country is expanding its reach, focusing on long-term economic relationships with Africa (particularly South Africa), predominantly in the agribusiness sector. Doraiswami says that India’s interest in Africa stems from similarities between the two nations. “India has the same scenarios in terms of basic agriculture as South Africa and faces the same challenges, hence the extension scheme we have in India will work well here,” he says, referring to the Agricultural Extension Service, an institution that bridges the gap between farmers and agricultural research scientists. “There are many unexplored opportunities in the agri-business sector that, through AB7, we are looking to access,” he continues, citing South Africa’s fruit processing, cold chain management and warehousing as some of the sectors where India is looking for solutions, and India’s biotechnology skills and agricultural machinery as areas of competitive advantage. Part of India’s strategy includes establishing relationships with inviting banks and ‘knowledge partners’ such as consulting firms to further enhance partnership and trade possibilities. South Africa has already entered into talks regarding partnerships with India, such as the India-SACU (South African Customs Union) trade pact. This will allow goods to move duty-free between India and five SACU countries, namely South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. The agreement is expected to be finalised in 2010. India has signed trade agreements with 29 countries in Africa. African trade good for business But why is expansion into Africa so good for business? “Recent indicators have revealed that seven of the ten emerging markets around the world will be in Africa in 2010,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, the organisers of AB7. “So doing business in Africa is one of the smartest investment paths for any business, according to the Harvard Business Review and Time magazine.” Thomson highlights AB7’s appealing visitor demographic. “Due to the high profile of AB7’s visitors, exhibitors can easily reach top decision-makers in each of the various food and beverage sectors – all under one roof,” says Thomson. “Our post-expo research from last year’s AB7 showed that 51% of visitors could authorise purchases, and 58% of them were owners, managing directors or directors. “We also found that 17% of visitors were importers, 27% came from the manufacturing sector and 20% were distributors or agents. This indicates that in its ten-year history, AB7 has become a valuable focus point for the entire supply chain, from producers, manufacturers and marketers to agents and retailers,” says Thomson. “In fact, AB7 is an integral part of the marketing mix for every company that exhibits.” ends ****************************** With over 2 000 items in 400 product categories from more than 40 countries, retailers will experience a ‘Feast of Choice’ product bonanza at Africa’s Big Seven, the continent’s biggest Food and Beverage Trade Expo. ends ****************************** Healthy, convenient and sustainable – these are the packaging trends that visitors will discover at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the biggest dedicated food and beverage trade expo on African soil. Packaging manufacturers from the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and Asia will showcase their equipment, systems and products at the seven-in-one show taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 25 to 27 July 2010. No single component in the entire food and beverage supply chain is more crucial than its packaging. It has to preserve the integrity of its contents in whatever form that takes whether it is liquid, frozen or fragile, for the duration of its journey to the consumer, and still appear pristine, fresh and appealing. The right packaging not only ensures that products reach consumers in the best possible condition, but also forms a powerful branding tool for manufacturers and suppliers, and is the final decision-inducing lever at the point of sale. Mintel, world leaders in market intelligence, have predicted the top consumer packaged trends for 2010, and there is a surprising move back to tried-and-tested products. Creative design and sustainable packaging Self Destruct Plastics, exhibiting at AB7 for the first time this year, will be bringing major technological developments to the sustainable packaging industry. “We will use the AB7 Expo to launch Controlled Life Plastics (CLP), a new material that uses oxo-biodegradable additive technology,” says Managing Director George Fee. “Oxo-biodegradable plastics contain small amounts of metal salts which catalyse the natural oxidation process,and shorten it from hundreds of years to a matter of months.” The key ingredient in CLP products is d2w, a patented oxo-biodegradable additive developed by Symphony Environmental Limited in the UK. The additive causes controlled bio-degradation in plastic litter. Albany Bakeries use it in bread bags, Riversmead Poultry Farms use it for chicken bags and LR Plastics use it for nursery seedling bags. It can also be used for carrier bags and shrink wrap. “It’s the ideal product for household name brands to eliminate their packaging from litter and reduce environmental plastic pollution,” says Fee. “We will also be introducing new additives for the degradation of polystyrene and metallised film.” Symphony Environmental Limited’s customers include Bimbo, the world’s biggest bakery group, Walmart, the world’s biggest retail chain, Barclays Bank, and the World Wildlife Fund amongst many others. First-time exhibitor USS Pactech will be presenting their latest packaging solutions at AB7. The company represents a conglomerate of overseas packaging equipment suppliers. The company imports packaging equipment and also manufactures equipment locally. It has been supplying and servicing the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industry since 1983. USS Pactech’s food packaging range includes vertical and horizontal flexible packaging for dry products, sachet filler and fill-and-seal machines; rigid packaging such as cartoning, thermo-forming, powder filling, case packing and palletising, as well as packaging for liquid products in blow-moulded hollow plastic containers. They also produce rinsing, filling, capping, labelling and end-of-line packaging, as well as plastic and glass bottles. Turkish company Duran Dogan, also exhibiting for the first time at AB7 this year, specialises in manufacturing packaging for the food, beverage, cosmetics and cleaning materials industries. The company has an annual cardboard manufacturing capacity of 20 000 tons and is the largest user of the material in Turkey. Export sales account for 50% of production. Some of their key customers are Diageo, Godiva Chocolates, Colgate Palmolive and Ulker. “We want to explore and build a market for our products in South Africa,” says International Sales Manager Asli Karagoz. “We are using the AB7 Expo to penetrate this African market.” Concentrating on flexible packaging, the Saudi Modern Packaging Company Printopack utilises pliant materials such as foils, films, paper and flexible sheeting to manufacture wrappers, labels, laminates and PVC sleeves, among many other products. Customers demand “Green” According to Thomson, the current economic climate has forced producers to reconsider their packaging approaches. “It is clear that food and beverage companies have shifted gear to meet consumer trends which now focus on health while simultaneously protecting the environment. There is much evidence that innovative, sustainable packaging can differentiate products in the eyes of the consumer and serve as a marketing benefit, and AB7 provides a unique platform for bringing these new packaging solutions to the industry.” Endorsing this trend, the Packaging Council of South Africa (PACSA) has sponsored a trophy in a new category of the annual Gold Pack Awards which aims to recognise sustainability in any of the major packaging technologies. In 2009, Nampak Weigand Glass won the award for their 370-gram export wine bottle and 430-gram lightweight glass bottle. Because these bottles are lighter than the industry standard, more can be transported in order to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions during distribution. Western Cape-based contract packaging company Pacmar are exhibiting for the first time at the AB7 show, and are confident that their environmentally-sustainable products will find a hearty reception at AB7. Pacmar also produces a range of fruit juices made from 100 percent pure squeezed fruit, free of additives and preservatives – a first for South Africa. “Our products are made more appealing by their environmentally neutral packaging,” says Lize van Jaarsveld, Accounts Manager at Pacmar. Elopak packaging, which Pacmar currently uses for its fruit juice range, has a neutral C02 footprint and its resealable opening results in less waste. The South African packaging industry is worth an estimated R36.2-billion annually and is viewed as an emerging market, especially in the new field of sustainable packaging. Thomson believes that South African packaging companies are gradually taking their place in the mainstream of global trade. “The rest of Africa represents a huge export destination for South African packaging companies as half of all packaging exports are to the rest of Africa,” he says. Leveraging the power of the African market through AB7 is Johannesburg-based J-PAK, a supplier of packaging machinery, coding and marking equipment, with high-profile clients such as Tiger Brands and Cadbury. Another first-time exhibitor at the show, J-PAK plans to cement its current trade relationships at AB7, and also use the event for networking and expansion. “We want to enhance our business relationships with our current clients,” says Piet van Coller, Sales and Marketing Director for J-PAK. “But we are also hoping to foster new relationships with other local and international businesses.” ends ****************************** From factory to retail shelf, all consumer products follow a specific logistics flow through distribution channels to retailers and consumers. It is the constraints of this supply chain that determine the quality of the end product that consumers expect. The most critical model in perishable food distribution is the integrity of the cold chain. The term refers to an unbroken constant-temperature supply chain by which temperature-sensitive perishable products are transported from processors and manufacturers to retail fridges. It is essential that the integrity of the cold chain be preserved, as even a minor fluctuation in the specified temperature of transported foodstuffs has the potential to cause irreversible, undetected damage and compromise the safety of the product. Refrigeration and cold storage technologies will be in the spotlight at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) Food and Beverage Expo, to be held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg from 25 to 27 July. “AB7 is an excellent platform for stakeholders to showcase their latest refrigeration equipment and cold chain services to a focused, business-orientated audience, and gain insights into the latest trends, technologies and products in the industry,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of the AB7 Expo. Developments in the local market Established in 1987, Industrial Logistic Systems has three divisions dealing with strategic consulting, infrastructure development and operations consulting respectively, and provides services to Shoprite, Clicks, Toyota and Nestlé, to name just a few of their premium clients. In South Africa, retailers have realised the necessity of investing in cold storage development to pave the way for more foreign trade investment. Top retailer Pick ‘n Pay is currently running a pilot project with new refrigeration technology using natural refrigerants. In addition to being a significant technological development in the retail industry, this project is also aimed at energy efficiency to reduce the threat of global warming and ozone layer depletion. Joburg Market (formerly known as the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market) will be exhibiting again at AB7 this year, and has invested extensively in technological developments to develop their trade relationships with investors and their customer base. “We are investing significant resources in technology to advance the interests of farmers and the guarantee of quality food security and affordability to consumers,” says Chief Executive Officer Kgosientso Ramokgopa. The company has also become the first produce market on the African continent to offer buyers around the world the ability to purchase fresh produce, with all the grading, prices and shipping costs handled by internet, without the buyer having to physically visit the market. “Customers started placing their orders online in April,” says Ramokgopa. The virtual Market will delight buyers who for whatever reasons are unable to leave their office or home to access quality affordable fresh produce. The Joburg Market is the largest of its kind in the country, and in all of Africa. The company’s audited turnover for the last financial year was R3.2-billion with volume traded exceeding 980 000 tons of fruit and vegetables. Turkey-based Cantek will also be exhibiting at AB7, showcasing a variety of refrigeration systems and cold room doors, among other products. As a company, they focus on three main points to ensure the integrity of supply chain linking production to consumption: protection of product quality by means of high-technology, long-life, energy-saving systems; effective customer service; and effective cold storage management with failsafe monitoring systems. Cantek has vast experience as a contracting supplier of more than 10 000 cold store projects in Turkey. Their product range includes pre-cooling facilities, cold preservation, freezers, cold rooms and condenser units. The downfall of emerging market leaders Collectively, the BRIC countries represent more than 42% of the world’s population, yet their economies account for only 26% of the world’s GDP. But with a consistent 7% annual growth rate, these countries are fast outpacing the developed world, and cold chain developments will be critical to maintaining this growth. China, the largest food-producing and consuming country in the world, lacks sufficient capacity for cold chain transportation. Less than 1% of its trucks are refrigerated – far less than the 250 000 in the USA and 150 000 in Japan. From cattle count to cold room “Refrigeration is an essential technology of the food and beverage industry and is constantly under the spotlight as an area that poses the most problems along the cold chain. These need to be identified and resolved,” says Thomson, highlighting the need for cold chain infrastructure development, expansion and maintenance. Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is the largest food and beverage industry trade expo on the African continent, and will showcase all the latest food and beverage industry trends and product offerings across seven food and beverage trade shows, all unified under one roof. AB7 takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg, South Africa, from 25 to 27 July 2010. ends ****************************** Healthy, convenient and sustainable – these are the packaging trends that visitors will discover at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the biggest dedicated food and beverage trade expo on African soil. The seven-in-one show takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 25 to 27 July 2010. “Post-recession, we don’t expect manufacturers to reinvent the wheel,” says David Jago, Director of Trends and Innovation at Mintel, the world leaders in market intelligence. “Instead, we predict 2010’s new packaging trend will give shoppers something familiar paired with something new to pique their interest and also satisfy their needs.” Creative design and sustainable packaging Self Destruct Plastics, exhibiting at AB7 for the first time this year, will introduce Controlled-Life Plastics (CLP), a new material that uses a patented oxo-biodegradable additive technology. “All our oxo-biodegradable plastics contain small amounts of metal salts which catalyse the natural oxidation process, and shorten it from decades to a matter of months.” says Managing Director George Fee. The key ingredient in CLP products is an additive called d2w, developed by Symphony Environmental Limited in the UK and distributed worldwide by their 59 agents. The additive causes controlled bio-degradation in plastic, in case it becomes litter. “We will also be introducing new additives for biodegrable polystyrene and metallised film,” says Fee. Key clients include the Inditex Group (Zara), NH Hoteles Spain, Marriott Hotels, Roberts Bakeries (UK) and JD Sports, amongst many others. First-time exhibitor USS Pactech will be presenting their latest packaging solutions at AB7. The company’s range includes flexible packaging for dry products, sachet filler and fill-and-seal machines; cartoning, thermo-forming, powder filling, case packing and palletising systems, blow-moulded hollow plastic containers as well as plastic and glass bottles. Turkish company Duran Dogan specialises in manufacturing packaging for the food, beverage, cosmetics and cleaning materials industries. The company has an annual cardboard manufacturing capacity of 20 000 tons and is the largest user of the material in Turkey. Fifty percent of production is exported to key customers like Diageo, Godiva Chocolates, Colgate Palmolive and Ulker. Leveraging the power of the African market through AB7 is Johannesburg-based J-Pak, a supplier of packaging machinery, coding and marking equipment, with high-profile clients such as Tiger Brands and Cadbury. “We want to enhance our business relationships with our current clients,” says Piet van Coller, Sales and Marketing Director for J-PAK. “But we are also hoping to foster new relationships with other local and international businesses.”
ends ****************************** A rash of ‘Sold Out’ notices superimposed on adverts for Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Expo prompted F&B Reporter to investigate the cause. John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), the organisers of Africa’s biggest food and beverage show, says that all of the available stand space was booked and sold three months before opening day. It takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 25 to 27 July 2010. “All the stand space has been sold, except for a handful of isolated small stands peppered throughout the exhibition area, and that’s despite a fifty percent increase in allocated floor space for this year’s show,” says Thomson. Last year, AB7 covered nett 2 355 square metres; this year, 3 748 square metres of space is already sold. “There’s nothing left, except a waiting list!” adds Thomson. Africa’s Big Seven is a seven-in-one food and beverage trade expo, the biggest – and only – trade show of its kind on the African continent. AB7 covers every aspect of the food and beverage manufacturing, processing and retailing sectors, from ‘crop to shop’. Thomson attributes the surge in sales to many important factors: The maturity of the 10-year-old AB7 brand, and the multi-sector show itself, which he says has “now become of world calibre”. Thomson says his company has received numerous testimonials from last year’s exhibitors, both local and overseas, which endorse the effectiveness of AB7 as a trade expo. Last year, EMS adopted a policy of increasing rather than decreasing advertising spending during the recession. Thomson believes that with more feet through the door last year, word of mouth among exhibitors prompted a surge in floor space sales this year. “For instance, the Turkish Pavilion has grown in size every year, apparently due to word of mouth among Turkish suppliers to the food manufacturing and retail sectors who had much success here.” Thomson says that the calibre of exhibitors has also improved. “Among the foreign exhibitors, it is no longer just the Asian countries which are exhibiting. This year, for instance, there will be exhibitors from France, Spain, Britain and Poland.” He points out that foreign suppliers tend to be more aggressive than their South African counterparts, and book space early. “Local suppliers tend to sit on the fence and book shortly before the expo. Because of the sell-out, that won’t be possible this year.” However, Thomson says that if enough local exhibitors want space, Gallagher has agreed to the possibility of providing another hall – “but critical mass is essential”. He says that it is unfortunate that more local exhibitors did not book, because buyers from the rest of Africa, who normally comprise a significant percentage of visitors to AB7, only negotiate trade with suppliers which are present at the show. Nevertheless, several leading South African suppliers in the industry have taken space, as of late April. Some of these include Heat and Control, Fontana Manufacturers, J-Pak, John Thompson Africa, Marefa International, Afropak, MCG Industries, Pacmar, USS Pactech, Insulated Structures, Flavourome, Apac Enterprises and Oceana Brands. The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) which was acquired by EMS in 2009 – there was no SAITEX show in 2008 – also takes place at Gallagher at the same time as AB7, so visitors to each show can visit both. Allocated SAITEX floor space has also been doubled for this year, and it is also sold out. Thomson says that in future, SAITEX will focus on non-food retail products and will be marketed to attract exhibitors and retailers from throughout South Africa and the rest of Africa. ends ****************************** Turkey will be a major participant at this year’s InterBake Africa expo, one of the seven component trade shows that make up Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the biggest Food and Beverage Trade Expo on the African continent. With more than 20 Turkish companies signed up for AB7, and 15 of these exhibiting at InterBake Africa alone, ingredients, products, equipment and technologies for the baking industry will enjoy exceptional support at this year’s show. AB7 will take place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 25 to 27 July, alongside the world-renowned Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX). Bread is mealtime staple for Turks Turkey’s yearly production of wheat is over 21 million tons, and much of this is processed into wheat flour and many other flour based products in more than 850 factories and plants. Other products include pasta and pastry products, sugar and confectionery, margarines, processed vegetables and fruits which are exported to markets all over the world. “Turkey is one of the biggest pasta exporters in the world, selling pasta products in 160 countries,” adds Thomson. “In 2008, Turkey’s pasta exports reached over 175 000 tons, valued at about $180-million. “In recent years, strong consumer demand has seen Turkish confectioners introduce new varieties of biscuits including sweet and semi-sweet custard cream biscuits, savoury crackers, chocolate coated biscuits and biscuits fortified with vitamins or bran and oats. Last year, Turkey exported 150 000 tons of biscuits to more than 100 countries. That would fill a lot of cookie jars.” Bakery business is booming “Participating Turkish companies have proven themselves reliable and trusted exhibitors; their products, equipment and machinery enjoy excellent reputations – garnered from previous AB7 shows – for quality, reliability and affordability. No doubt the same attributes will apply to the Turkish exhibitors at this year’s InterBake Africa show. For example, one of Turkey’s most prominent wheat processors is Doruk Un, a company that mills 40 percent of the nation’s total flour exports. That’s equivalent to 1.5 percent of the total global trade in flour,” says Thomson. Another exhibitor that will be at InterBake Africa is Eksper Gıda, which produces a wide range of baking and catering ingredients. The firm manufactures bakery margarines and fats, catering fats, industrial fats, starch, soy protein and soy flour, a variety of ready to eat meals, jams and marmalades, soups, ketchup and mayonnaise, tea, coffee and cocoa products, pastry and bread products, milk and dairy products, cornflakes and a wide range of packaging products. It supplies these to patisseries, bakeries, hotels, holiday resorts, restaurants, cafés, and biscuit, chocolate and ice cream manufacturers. Sarmasik Makina uses computer-aided-design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) techniques to make specialised baking equipment in its 11 500m2 factory. The company also licenses its technology to other equipment manufacturers around the world. It’s justly famous for its dough processing machinery, bakery ovens, pastry equipment and packaging systems. New products expected at the InterBake Africa show include multi-deck, stone-hearth tunnel ovens, adjustable track conical rounders, dosing and dropping machines for small and medium scale biscuit production, continuous conveyor pizza ovens and step system pan final proofer machines. Africa’s Big Seven showcases a wide variety of products, services, systems and technologies from the farm gate to the supermarket shelf. At AB7, there’s something for everyone. The seven-in-one trade show comprises: Agri-Food - Manufacturers and Producers Expo; Pan Africa Retail Trade exhibition; FoodTech Africa - International Food and Beverage Trade Fair; Interbake Africa – Baking Ingredients, Processes and Equipment; IFMA - International Fair for the Meat Industries of Africa, FoodBiz – Food, Service and Equipment; and Retail Solutions. ends ****************************** With a population approaching one billion people, Africa is a unique and exciting business destination. Its rapidly growing middle-class population provides a diverse market for extensive two-way trade. Africa’s massive reserves of oil and mineral wealth, industrial expertise and agricultural output have awakened the world to its potential as a promising business destination and a massive under-exploited market. Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is the largest integrated Food and Beverage trade show on the continent, offering a ‘Feast of Choice’ with over 2 000 products in 400 categories. Last year’s AB7 had 238 companies from 39 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia taking part, including 15 countries from Africa. More than 7 500 visitors from 45 countries attended. The seven-in-one trade show takes place from 25 to 27 July 2010 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg in South Africa. Africa good for business Why is expansion into Africa good for business? John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of AB7, says current economic indicators show that seven of the ten most successful emerging markets for 2010 will be in Africa. “Last year, both Harvard Business Review and Time magazine said ‘doing business in Africa is one of the best business ideas. “Visiting AB7 is a great business idea,” quips Thomson. “It’s the only food and beverage related exhibition on the continent that forms a genuine trade portal throughout Africa. It is a forum where all the role players can meet under the same roof – producers, manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers and everyone else in between.” “Most visitors to AB7 are decision-makers,” continues Thomson. “Our research indicates that 51 percent of all visitors in 2009 could authorise purchases, and 58 percent were owners, managing directors or directors. Moreover, 17 percent of visitors were importers, 27 percent were manufacturers and 20 percent were distributors or agents. AB7 is reaching all the decision-makers in the food and beverage sector – all under one roof.” South Africa offers a Wealth of Agribusiness Opportunities Kwazulu-Natal is an important contributor to South Africa’s agricultural output, averaging over 1 000mm of rainfall a year. The province has massive agri-business potential, with 6.5-million hectares of land suitable for farming; most of this (82%) is ideal for livestock production, with extensive herds of beef and dairy cattle, flocks of wool and mutton sheep and many large piggeries, all comprising 20 percent of the country’s total livestock population. The rest of the land is suitable for a wide variety of agricultural produce. Sugarcane plantations along the coast are the mainstay of the province’s agricultural crops, with a wide variety of subtropical fruit also produced. Tongaat Hulett is a world leader in sugar milling technology with a 100-year history in Kwazulu-Natal. The La Lucia-based company’s Huletts brand holds a 48 percent share of the Southern African retail sugar products market, which says a great deal about the opportunities that exist in the province. “KwaZulu-Natal’s share of South Africa’s exports remains constant at around 17% of the national total, and is the second largest provincial economy in South Africa,” says Thomson. The food processing industry in the Eastern Cape also has a rich diversity of agricultural and livestock products. A wide variety of organic produce such as fresh meat, fruits and vegetables are produced there, and these provide additional channels for the canning, juicing and processing of locally grown produce for domestic and international markets. According to Safmarine, the global percentage of refrigerated container use rises every year and will represent 60% of all global refrigerated transport by 2015. South African grapes, citrus, pears and apples are frequently exported by ship to foreign markets in refrigerated containers. In fact, the country exports such a large variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables that Safmarine is engaged in shipping these products almost all year round. DrinkTech Africa heralds new Beverage Expo Thomson is delighted by the enthusiastic response from the beverage industry to DrinkTech Africa, a new addition to the AB7 exhibition. DrinkTech Africa is formatted to service the continent’s growing beverage and liquid food market, and will showcase the latest equipment, systems, technology, raw materials and ingredients used for all aspects of production including manufacturing, filling, packaging and distribution. Products on show include beers, spirits, milk and liquid dairy beverages, fruit juices, wines, bottled water, teas, coffees, energy and wellness drinks and many others. Soda King and King Cola are registered trademarks of the South African beverage marketer Soda King Franchise Company, who manufacture a wide range of carbonated flavoured soft drinks throughout Southern Africa. Their fruity sodas are available in a range of flavours and sizes and sold through supermarkets, cafés, liquor stores, bulk wholesalers and even in school tuck shops. Flavours include Sparkling Apple, Coco Pine, Cream Soda, Ginger Beer, Granadilla, Raspberry, Lemonade, Sparkling Lemon and Sparkling Orange, and their sodas make excellent mixers for brandy, whiskey or vodka. Fontana Manufacturers, based at Umkomaas in Kwazulu-Natal, supplies quality plastic and metal components to the packaging industry, and will be making its début at this year’s show. 37 years of experience in the manufacturing of steel closures and 20 years’ experience in the manufacturing of plastic components, has placed Fontana Manufacturers in a position to be able to serve a global base. The Joburg Market (formerly known as the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market), the largest fresh produce market in Africa, will again participate in Africa’s Big Seven. The company has become the first market in Africa to introduce an internet website-based online ordering system, offering overseas customers the ability to buy fresh produce online, with all grading, pricing and shipping procedures completed without having to physically visit the market. Joburg Market is exhibiting at this year’s AB7 to take advantage of the excellent networking opportunities available at the show, and showcase its capabilities to the ever-growing international food and beverage market. “AB7 creates enormous opportunities for us to increase our African footprint and at the same time provide more trading prospects for the farmers we support,” says Thomas Mawasha, marketing manager of the Joburg Market. The simultaneous hosting of the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) alongside AB7 means that exhibitors and visitors can easily cross over between shows for an even broader perspective of the products and markets available for trade. AB7 will also host a number of conferences and programmes for retail and business leaders and introduce a brand new component show.
Africa’s Big Seven showcases a wide variety of products, services, systems and technologies from the farm gate to the supermarket shelf. At AB7, there’s something for everyone. The seven-in-one trade show comprises:
ends ****************************** Africa’s Big Seven is a combined seven-in-one Food and Beverage Trade Show encompassing all aspects of the consumer, trade and retail food and beverage industry. ends ****************************** Innovative products, undiscovered new tastes and creative merchandising – these are just a few of the ingredients that are essential for catering and food service entrepreneurs to stand out in today’s crowded food and beverage market. The only other items needed – reliable suppliers and willing buyers – are all to be found at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the biggest food and beverage trade expo on the African continent. AB7 takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg, from 25 to 27 July 2010. South Africa’s economy has weathered the stormy recession and is ready for investment and growth. Its well-developed food service industry is the fastest-growing sector of the overall food market and offers more opportunities for existing and start-up businesses. In a report from Statistics South Africa released in May, total income generated by the food and beverage industry rose by 5.2 percent since May 2009, the biggest contributor being the catering and food service industry. Total turnover generated by the food sector in March 2010 rose by a massive 41% compared to March last year, growing from R353.2-million to R500.7-million. These figures show that the food service industry is booming. FoodBiz and FoodTech – equipping the industry Africa’s Big Seven showcases a wide variety of products, services, systems and technologies from the farm gate to the supermarket shelf. ends ****************************** Two of the biggest packaging companies in South Africa will be at Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage expo at Gallagher Convention Centre from 25 to27 July this year. Industry heavyweights Mondi Packaging and Nampak Corrugated join a large contingent of local and overseas specialist companies showcasing the latest developments in packaging systems, products and technologies at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7). FoodTech Africa and DrinkTech Africa are the two primary packaging related component shows of the seven-in-one AB7 food and beverage expo. “We’ve had a great deal of interest from South African and overseas packaging companies, some from as far afield as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), organisers of AB7. “I’m delighted that Mondi and Nampak have chosen to exhibit at AB7; it shows that packaging really is a vitally important component of the food and beverage industry, with growing demand providing more business opportunities for packaging technology suppliers.” Intensified involvement in the food and beverage industry Nampak Corrugated’s cartons and trays have been protecting and transporting some of Southern Africa’s most prominent branded products for more than 70 years, including those destined for overseas markets. Serving both large and small customers, the company provides solutions to suit the diverse packaging needs of existing and potential new trade partners. In particular, the company is intensifying its involvement in the food and beverage industry – one of the reasons why the company decided to exhibit at Africa’s Big Seven. “We believe it will allow us to identify and develop new networks in the food and beverage industries, locally and abroad,” explains Platt. “We hope to meet with key producers who want to form long-term business alliances with a world-class corrugated packaging company.” Advanced French technology in Nampak’s product line-up Exhibitors and visitors can use the free internet-based business matchmaking programme to arrange pre-profiled, pre-selected and pre-scheduled matchmaking meetings for all three days of both shows. AB7 will also host a number of industry conferences and programmes. ends ****************************** The South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) will present the first ever bottled water conference at Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage trade Expo (AB7). “Regardless of whether you are an established bottled water company or a struggling start-up, this conference will provide you with all the industry know-how you could possibly need,” says Charlotte Metcalf, SANBWA Technical Manager. “The programme will cover several key factors affecting the water industry including the operational aspects of bottling water, market conditions, marketing and distribution issues, the availability, sustainability and quality of source water, environmental issues, consumer trends and an overview of SANBWA’s new standards for the industry.” Water Conference one of many hosted by AB7 SANBWA was formed in 1997 as a standards-setting and representative body for the bottled water industry, and is a voluntary association of bottlers with the primary concern of ensuring the health, safety and pleasure of consumers of their products. The association represents ten major producers of bottled water who collectively supply 80 percent of the bottled water consumed in South Africa. “We are also very excited to be launching SANBWA’s new Bottled Water Standard,” adds Metcalf. “We will be looking at all the quality and safety standards required for source water, and its processing and packaging.” Following the SANBWA AGM on Tuesday 27 July, a training session will be held to give an overview of the new standard, the benefits to all stakeholders and consumers and how it will be used. The session will conclude with a practical workshop on how to start implementing some of the key requirements, with particular focus on food safety. Bringing in the big guns Dr Anthony Turton, a director of water and energy development company Touchstone Resources and a political scientist with 20 years of strategic-level experience, will pose various penetrating question to delegates, and help them to determine appropriate solutions. For example, if water is becoming more of a business risk, what does the industry need to do to best position itself? Dr Turton specialises in trans-boundary water resource management, including supporting negotiations between governments and other role-players around international river basins. Other topics to be covered at the conference will include the question of future source water supply availability, an overview of microbiological challenges facing bottlers, the industry’s carbon account and its role in plastic recycling. “Ultimately, SANBWA’s main priority is the benefit of all stakeholders,” continues Metcalf. “This includes our members adhering to a high quality standard for their bottled water products, encouraging training initiatives and further human resource development, and of course, highlighting excellence in our industry.” Water industry part of the bigger food and beverage picture ends ****************************** A United Nations study published by its Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the World Bank, indicates that Africa’s already well developed agricultural sectors can be vastly expanded to improve the continent’s overall food security, providing adequate supplies for local consumption, and also produce surpluses for export to other markets. This strategy will be highlighted at the Agrifica Conference on 26 July, one of several conference events that form part of Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Trade Expo (AB7), to be held from 25 to 27 July 2010 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg. AB7 is the biggest, and only, food and beverage trade show of its kind on the African continent. Agrifica (Pty) Ltd is an agribusiness development and intelligence company established in 2001 and based in Pretoria, South Africa. The theme of this year’s Agrifica conference is ‘Food Security for Africa’, and discusses the continent’s role as the potential solution to the World Food Crisis. Topics for discussion include: global food supply and demand; Africa’s potential contribution to world food supplies; investor interest in food production in Africa; prospects for commercial agriculture in Africa; factors affecting agricultural food production, and needed interventions to achieve Africa’s food production potential. Dr Lawrence McCrystal, the Director of Agrifica, will open the conference and take part in the panel discussions. Dr McCrystal was Chief Economist for the Industrial Development Corporation from 1967 to 1969, and a member of the task team that established the Development Bank of Southern Africa. He is a member of the President’s Economic Advisory Council and Chairman of Finance, Education and Enterprise Development for the Refilwe Community Project. He holds a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Natal and twice received the Medal and Prize of the Economic Society of South Africa. He has published numerous articles on economics and economic development, a book on industrial location entities and a book on sustainable development of people.
“Agrifica was established to promote agricultural development in Africa by harnessing South Africa's considerable agricultural skills, honed over many decades and under African conditions, in partnership with those who share the same vision,” says Marianna du Plessis, Project Manager of Agrifica. “This prestigious and highly relevant conference will focus on the global food crisis and the many opportunities this presents for all sectors of business and agriculture in Africa. This includes suppliers of imported non-African sourced food into Africa, new markets for sub-Saharan subsistence farmers with surpluses, better cost-to-sales ratios for larger mechanised farmers and more cost effective utilisation of transport and warehousing operations into Africa.”. ends ****************************** Research by Out-of-Home-Media South Africa (OHMSA) shows that 83% of consumers feel that billboards are the most effective format for brand advertising, beating the 47% to 63% sample for TV, newspapers and radio, and the 14% to 22% sample for cinema and internet advertising. It’s no surprise then that Samsung’s exhibition stand at Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Trade Expo (AB7) this year will feature the company’s full range of digital Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) out-of-home advertising display screens. Retail Solutions Africa, one of the seven-in-one trade shows that form Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Expo, showcases the vast range of equipment and machinery, products and services designed specifically to streamline the food and beverage retail process. One of the most important aspects of any retail operation is the product photo and its price information displayed to potential customers. A picture of the product and its price clearly shown is half the battle won to get a buying decision from customers. Samsung will be exhibiting an anchor display showcasing a wide range of concepts, systems and solutions for any type of wholesale or retail business, from single retail outlets through to chains and hypermarkets. “We will be displaying our full range of Digital Information Display (DID) panels for various applications, which include touch and interactive screens, Large Format Video Walls, Stand Alone Digital Info Boards, and Stand Alone Outdoor Displays,” says Samsung’s Large Format Display (LFD) Sales Manager Jason Rall. “The key feature of each of these products is that they are solutions ready to run out of the box. These products also include software to allow operators to manage the devices and content from a central point.” From its birth as a small electronics export business in Taegu, Korea, Samsung has become the world’s biggest electronics manufacturer, with annual revenue of over US$ 180-billion. Samsung specialises in digital appliances and media, semiconductors, memory and system integration. Today, Samsung’s innovative and top quality products and processes are world-renowned. Out-of-home advertising is a proven medium in the marketing mix, delivering impact and awareness in a short space of time. It’s also non-exclusive and accessible to any member of society. “Anyone who leaves home is exposed to outdoor advertising,” says Les Holley, the Executive Director of OHMSA. “Unlike other types of advertising media, you don’t have to turn a digital billboard on, tune it in, dial it up or turn over a page to see it – it’s just there and it’s free to the consumer.” Samsung has taken advantage of the profitable digital display advertising medium by creating digital products specifically for this purpose, and their presence at Africa’s biggest food and beverage trade show is in line with this marketing strategy. “Samsung is exhibiting at AB7 to connect with the retail market, which is currently showing the biggest growth in Digital Out-of-Home Advertising,” says Rall. Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Trade Show takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg from 25 to 27 July 2010. AB7 2009 saw 238 companies from 39 countries exhibiting, with over 7 500 visitors from 45 countries attending. Companies from fifteen African countries exhibited, as well as companies from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. AB7 will also give the company an opportunity to launch the latest addition to their LCD Display range – the LED Back-lit Display, which is a new ultra-thin high-performance screen. Products will not be sold directly from the stand at the show, but direct sales are not the company’s primary objective, as Rall points out. “Our intention is to showcase products and engage with customers on their business needs,” he says. “As with any other trade show, first prize for us would be lots of visitors, which would allow us to connect with serious customers on their business needs and wants, and let them see how we can help with their requirements.” Africa’s Big Seven showcases a wide variety of products, services, systems and technologies from the farm gate to the supermarket shelf. At AB7, there’s something for everyone. The seven-in-one trade show comprises:
The simultaneous hosting of the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) alongside AB7 means that exhibitors and visitors can move between shows for an even broader perspective of the products and markets available. Exhibitors and visitors can use the free internet-based business matchmaking programme to arrange pre-profiled, pre-selected and pre-scheduled matchmaking meetings for all three days of both shows. AB7 will also host a number of industry conferences and programmes. ends ****************************** Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Trade Expo is double the size of last year’s event, indicating a major upsurge in the continent’s food and beverage industries, says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the event. “This year we’ve virtually doubled the amount of space sold to 10,200 m² ( with over 600 exhibitors taking part,” says Thomson. Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) is a combined seven-in-one Food and Beverage Trade Show encompassing all aspects of the commercial food business, from farm crop to retail shop, with the entire food service trade and beverage industry in-between. AB7 takes place from 25 to 27 July 2010 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg. “AB7 is the biggest food and beverage trade show on the African continent and its seven component shows provide a valuable product showcase and business networking platform for anyone who is even remotely involved in the food and beverage industry,” says Thomson. “With Africa’s consumer market growing at an annual rate of over 6 percent compared to only 2 percent in the United States and the European Union (EU), the continent offers significant potential for local and foreign businesses to expand their markets, especially in the food and beverage sectors.” Worldwide food and beverage markets experienced a major downturn in 2009, but the outlook for Africa is very positive. This year the retail, food and drink industries are expected to bounce back, with its growth surpassed only by the automotive industry. This growth is confirmed by the latest figures released by Statistics South Africa, which state that the total income generated by the food and beverage industry for the three months ended April 2010 increased by 4.6% to R8.6 billion, compared with the three months ended April 2009. AB7 is not only a source of new suppliers to the major chains but is ideal for entrepreneurs, small business owners and independent retailers to make new business contacts; find new markets and customers, and gain insights into new trends in the world food industry. One of AB7’s fundamental component shows is Agri-Food, the ‘crop-to-shop’ exhibition featuring fresh produce and crop products and the processes of getting it to market. DrinkTech Africa appears for the first time at AB7, and encompasses the entire beverage and liquid food industry; from materials, ingredients and finished products to processing and manufacturing equipment for filling, packaging and distribution. Finished products include non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water, carbonated drinks, beer, wine, spirits, milk and liquid dairy products, liquid food, fruit juices, energy and wellness drinks. The inaugural show includes a conference hosted by the SA National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA). FoodBiz Africa first appeared at AB7 in 2008 and targets visitors from the food service and hospitality industries. FoodBiz Africa provides the biggest variety of food and beverage products, suppliers, service providers and retail and catering equipment. Another major component of AB7, FoodTech Africa showcases the latest trends and innovations in manufacturing technologies, production, processing and packaging equipment, as well as new ingredients, additives and flavourings. Last year, $2.1 billion of the country’s $3.7 billion packaging bill was spent on food and beverage packaging. InterBake Africa is another popular component of AB7, exhibiting a wide variety of baking ingredients, processes, equipment and shelf-ready products. The growth of in-store bakeries in supermarkets, convenience stores and forecourts has also led to a demand for these products. The Pan Africa Retail Trade Exhibition is ideal for all buyers looking for retail-ready food and beverage products such as dry goods, groceries, frozen foods, convenience foods, home meal replacement kits, fresh produce and confectionery, beverages, liquor and FMCG. Retail Solutions Africa features location kiosks, ATMs, EFT terminals and retail IT systems, security and cash handling equipment, shop-fitting, refrigeration, store layout, merchandising and display equipment, Point of Sale systems, back office software and lighting equipment. The simultaneous hosting of the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) alongside AB7 means that exhibitors and visitors can move between shows for an even broader perspective of the products and markets available. The expo organisers offer a free and highly effective internet-based business matchmaking programme providing exhibitors and visitors with pre-profiled, pre-selected and pre-scheduled matchmaking meetings for all three days of the show. Visitors can enrol by pre-registering on www.exhibitionsafrica.com, and can preview all exhibitors’ products on the same site. ends ****************************** Beverage-related products fill the spotlight at DrinkTech Africa, a new expo at this year’s Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the biggest food and beverage trade show on the continent. AB7 takes place over three days from 25 to 27 July 2010 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand near Johannesburg. South Africa’s first ever ‘Bottled Water Business’ Conference takes place on 26 and 27 July 2010 at AB7. Presented by the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA), the conference will focus on key issues in this rapidly growing sector, including the operational aspects of bottling water, market conditions, environmental issues and new standards for the industry. DrinkTech Africa, appearing for the first time on AB7’s line-up, showcases all the products, equipment, technologies, raw materials and ingredients available in the beverage industry. Of the more than 600 AB7 exhibitors, over 30 appear at DrinkTech Africa. This show will alternate annual appearances with the International Fair for the Meat Industries of Africa (IFMA). John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services (EMS), the organisers of AB7, explains the motivation behind the addition of this new show and its dedicated bottled water conference. “The beverage industry, both in South Africa and the rest of the world, is growing at an astronomical rate. In 2008, global consumption of bottled water increased by 4.5% to 218 billion litres, and the total African and Middle East markets increased by 14% and 6% respectively,” says Thomson. “Given this global trend, we want to expose visitors to new technologies and market developments that will help them benefit from the boom.” For the full range of products available at AB7, visitors can access the “Product Preview” on the EMS website at www.exhibitionsafrica.com. This marketing breakthrough, which is unique to Africa’s Big Seven and its sister show SAITEX (Southern African International Trade Exhibition), allows access to a full list of products that will be exhibited at the shows, as well as the countries represented. ends ****************************** Following in the wake of Africa’s début Soccer World Cup comes two of Africa’s biggest trade exhibitions, attracting thousands of visitors to South Africa. The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) along with Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage trade show (AB7) has attracted a combined total of over 600 exhibitors from all corners of the world – not for football, but for a foot in the door of trade with Africa and beyond, via the continent’s strongest economy. ends ****************************** |
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