SOUTH AFRICA – Africa’s biggest trade and industry event, Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), has announced that an Italian Pavilion will be part of this year’s show slated for June 21-23 in Midrand, South Africa.
The Italian Pavilion will be staged by Kölnmesse Italy, organiser of the Anugafoodtec show, and Fiere di Parma, organiser of the Cibustec show.
The pavilion will focus on agrifood technologies dedicated to food industry products, such as raw materials, machinery and supplies.
The two European exhibitions organisers have a long history of mutual cooperation in joint ventures to globalise European agribusiness, according to the AB7.
Their methodology is to seek out regions with massive potential consumer markets and evaluate the possible business opportunities arising from a formal exhibition format and support structure showcasing Agrifood products and technologies.
“After organising highly successful agrifood technology exhibitions in China, Japan and Thailand, we are turning our attention towards the many potential opportunities in Africa for agribusiness, technology and exports,” says Lara Marsilio, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Kölnmesse Italy.
“AB7 is a massive opportunity for Italian companies to exhibit in South Africa, the premier gateway to sub-Saharan markets,” continues Marsilio.
“South Africa has experienced significant economic growth in recent years, particularly after joining the ‘BRICS’ bloc countries in 2010.
African economies will see an average growth of 4.7%, compared to significantly lower growth rates in Europe, Japan and the US, whilst 10 million of South Africa’s 54 million population are considered high income earners.”
Big and growing pie
The Southern African region combines 14 countries with over 150 million inhabitants.
These nations enjoy an active free trade agreement with Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is the best structured internal trade organisation in Africa, representing 20% of the continent’s population and 75% of its GDP.
“Food and beverage Industries across Africa have an ongoing need for systems, technologies and know-how for processing ingredients and raw materials, and the production of finished food products – hence our decision to participate in AB7,” adds Marsilio.
About AB7
Africa’s Big Seven, now in its 13th edition, combines seven focused sector shows under one roof, dedicated to the entire food and beverage supply chain, from harvest produce and raw materials to manufacturing, processing and packaging machinery, retail equipment, hospitality and finished products.
Africa’s Big Seven is organised by Exhibition Management Services along with its European partner Senaf – Tecniche Nuove Group, an important Italian exhibition organiser which has been active for over 35 years.
The 2014 edition of Africa’s Big Seven attracted 225 exhibitors from 35 countries and almost 9 000 visitors from 44 different countries.
AB7 is sponsored by the City of Johannesburg; the Restaurant Association of South Africa; The Foundation for the Development of Africa; the South African National Bottled Water Association; the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa and the South African National Halaal Authority.
