Posted: February 3, 2025
A group of South African fresh produce exporters has arrived in Berlin, Germany to showcase their proudly South African products at the Fruit Logistica Berlin international exhibition taking place from 5-7 February 2025.
The group was supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to showcase at the exhibition.
The Managing Director of Mafube Fresh, a manufacturer of natural fruit powders made from guava, banana, figs and avocado, Ms Emmaculate Malashe, says her powders, were developed with the export customer in mind and the Fruit Logistica show is the best platform to attract such a client base.
“We have recently launched our new product offering. This is a great platform to introduce it the world. I am hoping to secure trading partnerships and channels to distribute both the food powders as well as the fresh fruits,” says Malashe.
The Marketing Manager of the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum (FPEF), Ms Marletta Kellerman describes Fruit Logistica Berlin as significant to South Africa, which is the biggest exporter of fresh fruit in the Southern Hemisphere. She says the show offers an opportunity to retain markets and export volumes to Europe.
Mpumalanga businessman, Mr Bongani Thobela says he is excited about the trip and hopes that he will be able to secure some orders that will enable his firm to export products to Europe using Germany as a gateway.
“This is part of our plan to expand our business. We have already obtained an exporting licence. We have already sent our samples to Germany and China and they were positively received,” adds Thobela, who is the Managing Director of Thobela Royale Farm.
The Director of the Limpopo-based of Ground Stone, Mr Dibesho Serage says he is looking forward to the trip as it will provide him with an opportunity to search for markets for his company’s produce in Europe and beyond.
According to him, this will be a perfect platform for him to network with the aim of obtaining orders that can result in exporting products to other international markets.
Fruit Logistica is the annual exhibition and leading industry event for the international fresh produce trade. The exhibition will focus on fresh produce including unprocessed fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, nuts and herbs.
The fair, which usually attracts exhibitors from more than 140 countries and approximately 60 000 visitors, offers good networking opportunities with key decision-makers in every sector of the industry.
For media enquiries and interview requests:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
Email: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za or Mediarelations@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Follow us on X: @the_dtic