The premium food and beverage market in Africa is poised to reach £44 billion by 2025, with leading trends focusing on ethical, local, and organic produce. In its 21st year, Africa’s Big 7 celebrates and promotes this diverse and expanding sector, uniting the finest in the food and beverage industry to highlight quality and sought-after products, pinpoint growth opportunities, and forge new business agreements.
“Our event offers participants the chance to connect with buyers across the African continent. Uncover leads, network with professionals, and delve into top-notch, tantalising content,” states Margaret Peters, Event Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events.
Africa’s Big 7 stands as a prestigious brand
While it presents a retail-ready showcase, it introduces freshness with new products from across the globe landing directly on Africa’s doorstep. Suppliers and manufacturers debut their latest offerings at the show, facilitating key decision-makers to establish enduring partnerships and clinch import and export contracts during this captivating B2B event. Set to unfold from 11 – 13 June 2024 at the new location, the Sandton Convention Centre, the show will explore the most current consumer trends and dining preferences, including how menus are evolving. The event assembles the crème de la crème of the industry, displaying sought-after and high-quality products across various sectors, from catering to bulk suppliers, catering to every taste.
Private labels are flourishing in Africa as consumers increasingly seek value without compromising on quality. Africa’s Big 7 connects manufacturers with pivotal decision-makers driving the future of private label in Africa, offering an exclusive platform to exhibit products and forge profitable partnerships. “This serves as the premier hub for sourcing, trendspotting, and engaging with leading trade buyers and influencers. Our 2024 edition will redefine standards, demonstrating the capacity to uplift and revolutionise the food and beverage sector in this vibrant area and beyond.”
Commercial and product managers, heads of packaging and business development, marketing directors, and officers will join over 170 exhibitors from around the world, with more than 4300 attendees expected, including importers, exporters, food retailers, restaurant managers, buyers, and others. “We’re continuously growing and evolving, recognising and advancing innovation within the food and beverage industry,” Peters further remarks.
A delightful highlight of this year’s show includes the return of the SA Bakers’ Challenge, the third National Burger Challenge, and the 14th Global Pizza Challenge, spotlighting comfort food. Additionally, this year will introduce Africa’s Game of Chefs for the first time, celebrating the best in African culinary arts by bringing together the most promising, emerging hotel chefs with some of the continent’s most renowned names to share Africa’s culinary narrative, while inspiring the audience with insights into their brands and food philosophies.
The co-located events: Africa’s Big 7, the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, and SAITEX will amalgamate 500 exhibitors, 10 000 visitors, and over 4 000 m2 of exhibition space, unlocking prime opportunities across food and beverage, hospitality, and trade sectors.
By fostering collaboration across the retail food, interiors, and hospitality industries, these shows create a potent platform that attracts a diverse attendee demographic to a singular location, enhancing visibility and expanding business networks. “Africa’s Big 7 is set to showcase the latest and finest in African food and beverages and is an event not to be missed. An impressive 92% of attendees from last year deemed it crucial for their business to participate, with 85% planning to return this year,” Peters concludes.
