Africa’s economy largely depends on external trade mainly with the US and the European Union.

While it is easy to meet domestic quality packaging requirements, exporting to western markets presents a different challenge to ensure goods are protected with quality and innovative packaging.
The latest packaging innovations and trends will be showcased at Africa’s Big Seven (AB7), the continent’s largest dedicated food and beverage expo. AB7 takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 25 to 27, 2010.

“Despite a tough trading year in 2009, industries such as food packaging have remained dynamic and responded extremely well to changing market needs. One area that has witnessed a wealth of innovative development is sustainable packaging. This includes reduced raw materials and energy consumption, and the use of eco-friendly, renewable and recycled content in packaging production,” says John Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the event.

With the current economic situation, business is cut throat and companies need to be creative and tireless in their quest to get their products at the forefront. How a company uses it’s packaging to profile, distinguish and communicate products is critical to its success.

Competing on the global markets means adopting strategies that will ensure success. One such initiative that has played a vital role in making markets more accessible for African countries is ComMark.

The Department for International Development (DFID) tasked ComMark, a regional developmental agency, to implement the Regional Standards Programme (RSP) in Southern Africa form 2006 -2010. The purpose of the RSP is to aid SADC countries and businesses to meet international food quality and safety standards for agri-business products.

This initiative has ensured that African businesses receive support, training and accreditation that allow them to supply international and regional formal markets. The compliance with international standards in terms of packaging has been a major boost for some business owners who have vastly improved their exports.

Says Thomson; “African packaging companies need to take advantage of this opportunity to make valuable business contacts in South Africa and in the rest of Africa, and showcase their products to the world."

Delegates at a past AB7 conference


Packaging Giants join Africa’s Big Seven

Two of the biggest packaging companies in South Africa, Mondi Packaging and Nampak Corrugated will be attending the AB7’s food and beverage expo. Mondi’s Packaging and Industrial Paper division has three mills producing a wide range of products, including boards for industrial applications and high performance, ready-to-use corrugated packaging papers for the agricultural and commercial packaging sectors.

Nampak’s cartons and trays have been protecting and transporting some of Southern Africa’s most prominent branded products for more than 70 years, including those destined for overseas markets. The company recently signed a licence agreement with Otor, a French corrugated packaging company, and is now the sole supplier of their products in South Africa.

AB7 comprises Agri-Food (manufacturers and producers expo); DrinkTech Africa (beverage processing and packaging machinery, equipment and technology); FoodBiz Africa (food service and equipment), FoodTech Africa (production, processing and packaging), InterBake Africa (equipment, processes and ingredients for the baking industry), Pan Africa Retail Trade Exhibition (food, beverages, merchandise and fast moving consumer goods - FMCG);  and, Retail Solutions Africa (technology for retailers).

Last year hosted 238 companies from 39 countries. 2010 has seen numerous new local companies signing on to showcase their products to local buyers, as well as penetrate the African market.

For further information on Africa’s Big Seven Expo contact:

Lineke Fleischer
Exhibition Manager 
(011) 783-7250/1/6/9
Email admin@exhibitionsafrica.com