South African agro-processing companies from six provinces will get the opportunity to attract the attention of international food importers when they showcase their products at the Anuga International Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany.
Thirty companies are expected to take part in the trade fair, which runs in the city from October 4-8.
The theme is ‘Sustainable Growth’, which calls for concerted efforts aimed at creating a balance between economic prosperity and environmental protection.
The biennial event is regarded as one of the world's largest and most important food and beverage fairs. It attracts distributors, retailers, importers and wholesalers of food and beverages from all continents.
In the 36th edition of Anuga in 2023, more than 7 900 companies from 118 countries exhibited, and more than 140 000 trade visitors from 200 countries flocked to the event.
The participation of South African companies has been made possible by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition through its Export and Marketing and Investment Assistance (Emia) scheme. An objective of the scheme is to facilitate entry for local products and services into new markets.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, said the assistance provided to companies was in line with the country’s export market diversification initiatives.
“This is part of the South African government’s contribution towards ensuring that export-led industrialisation aimed at spurring economic growth in the country is stimulated,” Godlimpi said.
“Our total efforts are aimed at increasing South Africa’s capacity for exporting diversified and value-added goods and services to various global markets.” – SAnews.gov.za
