Organic & Natural Product Expo Africa opens door for SMMEs

Interest from industry bodies both locally and internationally as well as government development agencies is opening the door for SMMEs to participate on the same stage as established multinational companies. “We realised early on that the sector is dominated by small businesses and as such we kept the cost per square meter as low as possible, at least R1000 per meter squared cheaper than any other expos” says exhibition organiser John Thomson. “This coupled with support from a number of provincial development agencies has enabled participation from across the industry” continues Thomson.

With the event industry shutting down over the COVID years, various sectors have been hard hit by a lack of business events stimulating economic activity. “The organic & natural product sector is one where a face-to-face environment is not only beneficial, its essential. The products require tasting, smelling, touching and more to truly understand them in order to decide to buy. This can only happen face-to-face” says Thomson.

Like all sectors in need of stimulation, the Organic & Natural sector stands to gain significant momentum via this event. With the potential to become the meeting place for organic & natural stakeholders from across the continent, the inaugural Organic & Natural Products Expo is a must for the 2022 calendar.

Companies wanting to exhibit can contact John Thomson on John.t@satp.co.za and are advised to do so urgently as space is selling out fast. Companies wanting to get involved in areas such as the demo kitchen, food & Bev catering and conference auditorium can get in touch with Warren Hickinbotham on warrenh@blankpage.co.za.

Endorsements:

The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO):

The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) represents everyone in the organic value chain – consumers, producers, retailers – anyone concerned about how our food is grown and how we can protect our future food freedom and the natural ecology of Mzansi. With the demand for organic produce outstripping supply, there is great potential for farmers to enter the organic market where they can be rewarded for being custodians of the soil for future generations. Largely informal and with organic status not recognised as a path to sustainability and growth, the local organic sector is growing exponentially through awareness by consumers of the nutritional and health benefits of organic produce, and the recognition by farmers of the need to regenerate our soils. SAOSO is proud to endorse the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2020 and the timing is perfect – in fact overdue. We look forward to working with the team to make this a great success!

Sunday Times Lifestyle Magazine:

As the platinum media partner to the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2020, SA’s largest selling weekly newspaper, the Sunday Times is proud to support this much needed platform In support we plan to: Run an editorial and event preview run a dedicated Expo feature in the May 3rd 2020 edition of the Sunday Times Lifestyle Magazine (1,719,000 readers), and provide advertising opportunities at discounted rates for exhibitors. May this event be a huge success and grow year on year going forward.

The Health Products Association:

The Health Products Association (HPA)represents the natural health supplement and complementary medicines market in South Africa. It was established in 1974 and is the largest and oldest non-profit organisation representing the interests of manufacturers and retailers of the natural products industry, which includes organic and health foods, health supplements, natural ingredients, complementary medicines and other similar products. This sector has grown substantially worldwide over the last decade or so. There is an enormous interest in health & dietary supplements, homoeopathy and other such disciplines. The HPA is delighted to support the Organic & Natural Products Expo, and as an Association will ensure that it is promoted throughout our industry.

Slow Food:

Slow Food in South Africa is made up of a network of food communities, supporters, producers, participants, activists and volunteers that reflect the diversities and extremes of our country. We create awareness about the need to transform the dominant food system to achieve Good, Clean and Fair Food for All in our country.

Bryanston Organic & Natural Market:

For over 40 years Bryanston Organic & Natural Market has been a pioneering and socially conscious market place and a leading example of conscious living. Our customer promise is an authentic source of goods and services and a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. We welcome and support the concept of an Organic & Natural Products Expo where like-minded people to come together to share and to learn. It is through these collaborative soulful and wholesome experiences that we ensure our future and that of the earth.

Cosmetic Export Council of South Africa (CECOSA):

South Africa is world-renowned for its natural ingredients. The Cosmetic Export Council of South Africa (CECOSA)’s prime objective is to create an exporting environment that will promote increased business for South African companies. Natural and organic cosmetics has peeked consumer interest and is playing more of a role in this industry. This rising trend has ensured local bodies continue to certify cosmetic ingredients to international standards. Awareness and education around what South Africa has to offer are crucial. The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa is a key networking and learning opportunity and will certainly aid in highlighting the importance that South Africa plays on an international scale.

South African Halaal Authority (SANHA):

South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA): In a rapidly changing environment, various aspects of Halaal lifestyles appear to be converging with mainstream beliefs about the environment and health consciousness. The ethical treatment of animals, concern for the Earth’s resources as stewards of the earth, and growing awareness of the harm caused by use of chemicals and pesticides make for a strong bond and resonates with producers and consumers of organic and natural products.

As the country’s premier Halaal authority and advocates for the consumption of that which is Halaal and wholesome, we welcome and support this very important and timely showcase for the spiritual and physical well-being of all our citizens.

Food & Beverage Reporter:

Hi, I am Bruce Cohen, publisher of Food & Beverage Reporter, as well as founder of Absolute Organix (AO), a leading supplier of organic products into the retail sector. In the 15 years since I started the AO business, and in tracking industry trends through the magazine, I have seen, both globally and locally, consumer interest in and appetite for organic and natural products grow in leaps and bounds. We now find ourselves in a position where these categories are fast becoming “mainstream”, with leading retailers dedicating increasing shelf space to these products. The timing for an Organic & Natural Products Expo is, in my opinion, absolutely optimal and, wearing both my hats, I am jumping in boots and all to make it work.

The Organic & Natural Products Expo is a member of the International Organic Trade Fair Alliance.

About Organic & Natural Products Portal Africa:

The Organic & Natural Products Portal Africa is an easy-to-use portal for both trade buyers and consumers to access Organic & Natural Products Expo information, as well as the company information of suppliers of organic and natural products in, and from, the African continent.

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