admin Bianca Mlilo Business Reporter
FIVE Zimbabwean companies will take part in this year’s Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), an annual specialised food value chain exhibition that will be held from June 19-21 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa.
The companies will participate under the ZimTrade banner showcasing fresh produce, organic peanut butter, pure honey, bees wax, biscuits, sweets, juice concentrates and baobab products, among other food products.
According to ZimTrade the country’s participation at the continent’s largest food and beverage trade expo, will expose local products to regional and international buyers from over 70 countries.
“The expo offers a platform to network with business stakeholders in the food industry worldwide, (and) is an opportunity to study trends and to learn international best practices in this sector,” said ZimTrade in its monthly newsletter.
“Due to its high potential for growth and value addition as well as forward and backward linkages with other sectors of the economy, the processed food and beverages sector was prioritised for development in the Industrial Development Policy and National Trade Policy (2012- 2016).”
The trade agency however, could not disclose the names of the participating firms.
ZimTrade said trade policy and trade facilitation support was a prerequisite for companies in the sector to realise their full potential, adding that in the first quarter of 2016, the sector contributed 16,6 percent to total exports of manufactured products.
AB7, the continent’s largest food and beverage trade exhibition provides a powerful networking platform for the world to find business in Africa.
The seven-in-one trade show incorporates several related exhibitions, including the Pan Africa Retail Trade Exhibition, AgriFood, FoodTech Africa, DrinkTech Africa, Interbake Africa, Retail Solutions Africa and FoodBiz Africa.
With its display of food and beverages, other exhibitions are related to that, comprising food processing equipments and machines, fresh produce, manufacturing technologies, packaging technologies and materials, hospitality services, catering services, retail ready products and all associated with food and beverage.
derick.khumalo