As the global fruit and vegetable supply chain converges at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy from 8 to 10 May 2024, Macfrut presents a beacon of opportunity and innovation for South Africa’s agriculture sector.
As the 41st edition approaches, Macfrut guarantees an unparalleled convergence of expertise, networking opportunities, and business prospects within the global agrifood arena.
SA’s producers showcasing products
Macfrut is a vertical exhibition that represents the entire supply chain, with eight sectors involved: production and trade, machinery and plants, packaging, agricultural machinery, greenhouses and irrigation systems, nursery and seeds, biostimulants, logistics and services.
Following presentations of the 41st edition of Macfrut exhibition in Cape Town last November, South Africa, through the Western Cape Trade and Investment Promotions Agency (Wesgro), announced its participation at the exhibition.
South Africa will have a representation of about 20 companies in the production and supply chain sectors.
According to organisers, 1 400 exhibitors will represent the entire supply chain of the fruit and vegetable sector.
“With an increase of +22% of exhibitors, the exhibition area was also increased to 34 000 net square metres, a space which was sold out within three months and demonstrating a growing number of foreign exhibitors.”
With an addition of 1 500 top buyers from all over the world thanks to the decisive support of ICE – Italian Trade Agency, the growth makes Macfrut exhibition the most international agrifood event in Italy.
“This is a unique event on the international scene. The Macfrut exhibition combines business, knowledge, and networking through a dedicated B2B platform,” organisers explained.
Spotlight on fruit and vegetable Sector
Central to Macfrut exhibition’s agenda is the spotlight on the fruit and vegetable supply chain, a linchpin of Italy’s agri-food industry.
According to the Institute of Services for the Agricultural Food Market (ISMEA), the Italian fruit and vegetable sector generated an agricultural turnover exceeding €16 billion in 2023, with export earnings from fresh fruit and preserves amounting to €11.6 billion. The entire fruit and vegetable supply chain is valued at approximately €50 billion, underscoring its immense economic significance.
The National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC) of South Africa says the country is one of the major players in the international trade of fruits globally.
The South African fruit industry is export-oriented with fruit exports accounting for about 35% (valued over US$3.3 billion) of overall agricultural exports. Despite being ranked fourth in terms of fruit production in the Southern Hemisphere region, South Africa is the leading fruit exporter in this region; accounting for about 44% of fruit exports.
“South Africa’s leading fruit exports are mainly citrus fruit, pome fruit (apples and pears), stone fruits, and table grapes, respectively. And according to Fruit South Africa, the fruit industry exports about 60% of its fruits, while about 28% gets processed into other secondary products and 12% is consumed locally.
“This shows the importance of maintaining good relations with international trading partners for enhanced export revenue generation and industry growth,” the NAMC stressed.
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Macfrut’s international allure extends far beyond European borders, with a dedicated focus on the Arabian Peninsula.
“Emirates SkyCargo is able to transport 900-1,000 tonnes of perishable goods every day. We look forward to meeting with our customers and growers at Macfrut 2024 to show how our global experience can help them expand their business to over 140 destinations across our global network,” said Silvia Tagliaferri, cargo manager for Italy at Emirates SkyCargo during the launch of the exhibition a fortnight ago.
According to the event organisers, the exhibition serves as a pivotal platform to explore collaborations and partnerships across the African continent.
“Macfrut has been focusing on Africa for years. With the implementation of the ‘Mattei Plan’ it has become increasingly strategic in the government’s international policy.”
Opportunities abound for Africa
The event will nettle within its walls a pavilion dedicated to the African continent citing the continent has become increasingly strategic in the government’s international policy.
“The trade fair will host 400 exhibitors from 24 African countries, mainly growers, but also importers of agricultural technology and technical products for agriculture,” Macfrut announced noting countries like Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Namibia and Togo would be attending for the first time.
The Macfrut group noted that larger exhibitors include Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique and Mali with 37 companies would also be in attendance.
The global reach extends to South America, with exhibitors from Chile, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba, and Argentina adding further vibrancy to the event. “Many exhibitors will also come from South America,” the exhibition organisers confirmed.
Additionally, the participation of buyers from India, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Brazil, and Argentina underscores the event’s status as a global hub for agricultural exchange and collaboration.
- Lerato Matheka is the managing editor for Newsday newspaper in Lesotho. She reports on developmental issues, health, gender and children issues, environment and water affairs, labour and trade, good governance, human rights, elections, politics and democracy
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