Trade between Africa and Asia is booming, and its no surprise that India will once again have a substantial presence in Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage Expo (AB7) to be held in South Africa from 25 to 27 July.

India is South Africa’s sixth-largest Asian trading partner, with total trade between the two countries reaching $4.4-billion in 2008.

Indian pavilion proves a perennial draw card

Indian consul general Vikram Doraiswami says the number of participating companies is expected to double (30 companies attended in 2009) at this year’s expo. Its not just the level of sales that have brought exhibitors back – participating companies look forward to meeting many key industry contacts and potential trading partners. Some of the products that will grace the Indian pavilion include tea, coffee, spices, rice, maize and cashew nuts.

Opportunities

Last year, two-way trade between India and Africa represented about 8% of India’s total world trade, worth approximately $30-billion. In order to be a contender within such a competitive market, countries must now adopt strategies that will ensure success. India’s export policies have been so successful that the country is expanding its reach, focusing on long-term economic relationships with Africa (particularly South Africa), predominantly in the agribusiness sector. Indian firms are often looking for investors to partner with in their African expansion plans.

Says Doraiswami: ‘There are many unexplored opportunities in the agri-business sector that, through AB7, we are looking to access.’

South Africa’s fruit processing, cold chain management and warehousing are some of the sectors where India is looking for solutions.

South Africa is in talks regarding partnerships with India, such as the India-SACU (South African Customs Union) trade pact, which will allow free movement of goods between India and SACU member states.

African trade good for business

But why is expansion into Africa so good for business? ‘Recent indicators have revealed that seven of the ten emerging markets around the world will be in Africa in 2010,’ says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, the organisers of AB7.

‘Due to the high profile of AB7’s visitors, exhibitors can easily reach top decision-makers in each of the various food and beverage sectors – all under one roof,’ says Thomson.

Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) showcases products, services and technologies from the farm gate through the various manufacturing processes into the retail environment. The seven-in-one trade show comprises:

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

For more information about the AB7 Expo contact:

Lineke Fleischer, Exhibition Manager of Africa’s Big Seven Expo: Exhibition Management services.
Tel: +27-11-783-7250
Fax: +27-11-783-7269.
Email: admin@exhibitionsafrica.com.
Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com