The General Manager of the South African Fruit and Vegetables Canners Export Council (SAFVEC), Ms Jill Atwood-Palm says the Gulfood exhibition that will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 20-24 February 2023 provides South African companies with an opportunity to increase exports globally.

SAFVCA is part of a business delegation of sixteen South African agro-processing companies have been assisted by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme to showcase their products. The scheme aims to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.

According to Atwood-Palm, South Africa’s trade with the UAE and the region is niche but growing. Dubai, in particular is a promising trade hub for re-exporting into the rest of the Gulf region and beyond.

“As the council, we have an objective of showcasing proudly South African products, build on and meet existing customers throughout the world. We aim to attract new business leads, benchmark the industry against global competitors, garner market research and information, gain insight into new and developing product innovations and more importantly increase our footprint in the consumer, hospitality and industrial sectors,” says Atwood-Palm.

She adds that during the Gulfood Exhibition she will be investigating opportunities for re-exporting via the UAE Free Trade Zones and engage with key retailers.

Atwood-Palm describes Gulfood as a significant show for the industry in that it is the largest annual food show held globally. It is sector-focussed and thus attracts key decision-makers in a form of customers, buyers, distributors and agents.

She says the export council will be showcasing products that are renowned for premium quality, colour and taste, made in world-class facilities by experienced manufacturers and exporters. The SA Team at the show will include Rhodes Food Group, Jacobs Jams, Tiger Brands and Dursots.

Gulfood is regarded as the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in the Middle East. It attracts a large number of participants from the region and the world at large. Gulfood 2023 will showcase food and beverage products from around the world. The Middle East continues to experience a population growth, translating into increasing opportunities for the agro-processing sector, with a market demand of $3 trillion.

Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)

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