With food security and population growth being a pressing issue, Africa’s Big 7 has become the must-attend food and beverage event on the continent. Now in its 16^th year, this highlight on the F&B calendar will bring together food professionals from around the continent to discuss, experience and taste the latest developments affecting the industry at The Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from the 24th to the 26th of June 2018. 

“Africa’s Big 7 is the continent’s most important annual meeting place for the food and drink industry, connecting thousands of pan-African visitors from across this diverse and booming market with local and international suppliers, “says Brad Hook of dmg events, organiser of the continent‘s premier hospitality and F&B shows.

This year’s event promises not only 200 local and international exhibitors showcasing an array of products and services under the categories of Food, Beverages and Technology Solutions, but also opportunities to learn new skills from some of the best in the business.

A highlight of every Africa’s Big 7 is the Food Leaders Forum - a series of forthright panel discussions on the key strategic opportunities and challenges shaping the F&B industry. This year’s conference will feature over 30 speakers from a range of industry spheres such as Leigh Hildyard, Programme Policy Officer at the United Nations World Food Programme; Dr Ikalafeng Kgakatsi, Director of Climate Change & Disaster Management at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries and Wendy Alberts, Chief Executive Officer of The Restaurant Association of South Africa. Topics to be addressed during the 15 sessions spanning the three-day exhibition will include ‘Women leaders in foodservice’, ‘Climate change and food security’, ‘Food safety’, ‘Disruptive foodstuff trends’ and more. In addition, the Department of Trade & Industry will be providing an update on the R1 billion Agro-Processing Support Scheme launched last year.

Those wanting to learn all about the business of beverages (along with a few tips and tricks for making the perfect cocktail or cup of coffee) should stop by the free barista and mixology training being provided on all three days of the show.

The Global Pizza Challenge will see members of the public showing off their pizza-making prowess for the chance to walk away with a trophy, R15,000 and the opportunity to compete in the international final at the end of the year.

The free Farmers Skills Training, being offered on Monday the 25^th of June, is geared towards smallholders and urban farmers from Johannesburg and the rest of the Gauteng province. The programme will cover conservation agriculture and farm management systems, the effect of climate predictions for the next 90 years on selected crops, scaling up of climate-smart agriculture, financial solutions for smallholder farmers and increasing market access.

“Visitors to this year’s event can look forward to international and local experts sharing knowledge, lively debates, networking and demonstrations of the technologies and innovations taking the food and beverage industry into the future,” concludes Hook.

To register for a free show pass and to get more information on the continent’s largest food and beverage industry trade expo, visit https://www.africabig7.com.

For media accreditation, interviews or queries, please contact:

Crystal Andrews or Patrick Domburg
021 680 5196
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