Education & Content
Redefining the Food & Beverage Value Chain
A place at the table creating affordable and accessible food in Africa
Our series of seminars brought a dynamic mix of learning, development and in-depth industry debate from a range of leading thought leaders across the retail ready food and beverage sector.
Attendees got the latest trends and key issues impacting the sector, discovered the latest innovation, creativity and knowledge to drive the food and beverage community forward.
Key Themes Discussed this Year Included
- Insights into the latest consumer trends – what will food look like and what is on the consumers’ plate?
- Township economy – Tapping into township retail channels and what you need to know?
- Consumer dining demands – How are menu’s adapting?
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – What does sustainable food production look like?
- What do retailers want?
Event at a Glance
SUN – 18 JUNE 2023
Feature
Audience
EXPO
ALL
INDOOR
OFFICIAL OPENING OF EXPO
FOYER BETWEEN HALLS 2 & 3
AFRICA’S BIG 7
WORKSHOP CONTENT
ALL
WORKSHOP THEATRE EXPO FLOOR
AFRICA TOP TABLE
EXPO FLOOR
NATIONAL BURGERS CHALLENGE
EXPO FLOOR
SA BAKERS COMPETITION
EXPO FLOOR
ALL
CO-LOCATED EVENT
MON – 19 JUNE 2023
Feature
Audience
EXPO
ALL
INDOOR
AFRICA’S BIG 7
WORKSHOP CONTENT
ALL
WORKSHOP THEATRE EXPO FLOOR
AFRICA TOP TABLE
EXPO FLOOR
NATIONAL BURGERS CHALLENGE
EXPO FLOOR
SA BAKERS COMPETITION
EXPO FLOOR
NETWORKING COCKTAIL FUNCTION
EXPO FLOOR
ALL
CO-LOCATED EVENT
TUES – 20 JUNE 2023
Feature
Audience
EXPO
ALL
INDOOR
AFRICA’S BIG 7
WORKSHOP CONTENT
ALL
WORKSHOP THEATRE EXPO FLOOR
AFRICA TOP TABLE
EXPO FLOOR
NATIONAL BURGERS CHALLENGE
EXPO FLOOR
SA BAKERS COMPETITION
EXPO FLOOR
ALL
CO-LOCATED EVENT
2023 Food and Beverage Workshops
*This is a provisional programme and subject to change
Day 1: Sunday, 18 June 2023
11:00
Thought Leadership: Insights into the latest consumer trends – what will food look like and what is on the consumers’ plate?
In this economic climate, what are consumer priorities, what are they thinking about costs, nutrition and taste? Join this session and gain insights into the latest megatrends driving behaviour and how these translate into F&B opportunities.
Speaker:
Richard Lawrence, Founder & Managing Director, Innovatr
12:00
Thought Leadership: Food inflation – Mitigating uncertainty, volatility, and cost hikes in F&B
South Africa is in the throes of an energy crisis experiencing the highest level of ‘load-shedding’ with reports that this will continue for years to come resulting in an increase in SA food price inflation. It has been reported that consumer food price inflation accelerated to 13,8% y/y in January 2023 with essential food basket prices – bread, cereal, meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables increasing significantly. Join this session and hear the latest interventions on how to mitigate uncertainty, volatility, and cost hikes in F&B.
Speaker:
Dawie Maree, Head: Information & Marketing, FNB Business Agriculture
13:00
Power panel discussion: Township economy – Tapping into township retail channels and what you need to know?
The township retail trade discussion will shine the spotlight on today’s retail trade sector and how you can tap into this thriving township economy value chain. We continue to see initiatives aimed at stimulating entrepreneurs gaining momentum, but how can we better integrate township vendors into a sustainable food ecosystem, and what does this mean for food accessibility, price, and the value of e-commerce? Join this session and gain insights into – route to market, pricing models, messaging, funding options, and new product categories.
Moderator:
Dr. Motshedisi Mathibe, Lecturer, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria
Panelists:
Zuziwe Maphalala, Managing Director, Zoezie Weigh and Pay Grocery Store
Mpange Chapeshamano, Chief Executive Officer, Neighborly Grocery
Kgosi Tshoagong, Sales & Marketing Director, Yebo Fresh
14:00
Thought Leadership: The rise of the flexitarian: Insights into the South African plant-based food sector
This talk explores the state of the plant-based food sector in South Africa, incorporating local research on consumer dietary preferences and perspectives, and an analysis of the current meat-free products available in both retail and food service sectors, drawing comparisons to global trends. Following from these findings, the discussion highlights potential opportunities within the local and international markets and addresses some of the obstacles confronted by the industry.
Speaker:
Anusha Lakha, Corporate Engagement and V-Label Coordinator, ProVeg South Africa
Day 2: Monday, 19 June 2023
11:00
Power panel discussion: Consumer dining demands – How are menus adapting?
Join this discussion and hear from leading experts as they candidly discuss the latest consumer dining demands and what this means in terms of changing palettes.
- Value – price and accessibility.
- Health and wellbeing – how do menus adapt.
- Convenience – what is the future of online dining and what does this mean for new categories and chef-ready meals?
- Sustainability – water stewardship, alternative energy and zero food waste
Moderator:
Chef James Khoza, Executive Chef, Southern Sun and President, South Africa Chef Association (SA Chefs)
In conversation with
Panelists:
Chef Coovashan Pillay, Director: Food and Beverage, Protea Hotels by Marriott
Chef Junior Kotane, Executive Chef, 1947 on Vilakazi Street Restaurant
Chef Mogau Seshoeme, Founder, The Lazy Makoti
12:00
Power panel discussion: Mitigating food waste and supporting sustainable growth
According to the CSIR a third of food produced in South Africa is wasted. That adds up to 10 million tons of lost food each year along our food supply chain. As sustainability becomes mainstream a host of new technologies are emerging to help counteract food waste from farm to fork. This session will show you how technology developments will revolutionize the food industry.
- How are manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers innovating to capitalise on the value of food and reduce loss?
- How are farmers planning in terms of what they produce?
- How is technology increasing the longevity of products from the supply chain to shelf-life in store, and how could this be improved? Lessons learned?
- What is the role of data analytics in helping improve food quality and safety? Lessons learned?
- Is investment adequate to eliminate food waste in the long term and who needs to engage?
- The food waste debate – who is responsible: consumers, retailers, or the government?
- Assessing the food supply chain, critical areas of concern, and possible mitigating scenarios
Moderator:
Nicola Jenkin, Director, Pinpoint Sustainability
In conversation with
Panelists:
Prof Suzan Oelofse, Principal Researcher: Sustainability, Economic & Waste, CSIR
Patrick Mphalahele, Deputy Director, Tshwane Market
Chef Hanneke van Linge, Managing Director, Nosh Food Rescue NPC
13:00
Fireside chat: Building a net zero future – Addressing the challenges in the food and beverage industry through ESG strategies
As sustainability continues to move forward, consumers are demanding more traceability around the products they buy and the brands they support. This has led to more informative labeling, detailed information about food origins, curbing food waste and circular packaging leading to the rising demand for ESG certification and standards. Attend this session and hear firsthand from F&B leaders how crucial ESG metrics are to managing supply chains, meeting rising costs and reaching net zero.
Moderator:
Cathie Lewis, Founder, Earth Energy
Panelists:
Roelien Havenga, Director of Strategic Advisory, Daymon
Paula-Ann Novotny, Senior Associate, Webber Wentzel
Sash Nair, Founder, Little Biggies
Dr. Tracey Toefy, Lecturer, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria
14:00
Power panel discussion: Social procurement strategies – Strengths in diverse supply chains
Official welcome
His Excellency Mr. Christopher Cooter, High Commissioner of Canada to South Africa
Overview of TFO Canada
- Overview of TFO Canada
- Empowering growth for African exporters
- Demonstration of online platform
Speaker:
Steven Tipman, Executive Director, TFO Canada
Panel discussion
- What are social procurement strategies?
- Benefits of pursuing these?
- Potential pitfalls?
- Ensuring secure vetting of manufacturers/suppliers
- Broader impact of widening supply chains
Moderator:
Steven Tipman, Executive Director, TFO Canada, Canada
Panelists:
Prof. Michael Rudolf, Director: Centre of Ecological Intelligence, Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg
Joaquina Gumede, General Director, Institute for the Promotion of Small & Medium Enterprises (IPEME), Mozambique
Gabriel Musentekwa, Director: Business Development, Zambia Development Agency, Zambia
Day 3: Tuesday, 20 June 2023
11:00
Fireside chat: Growth opportunities in the Halal food sector
Join this discussion and hear from leading experts as they discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the halal food sector.
- Growth trends – from food safety, hygiene, and reliability.
- Production, certification, and regulation – what you need to know.
- The role of Halal accreditation bodies in developing the food sector.
Moderator:
Essop Dawood, Chief Executive Officer, Finlar Fine Foods
In conversation with
Speakers:
Har Man Ahmad, Trade Commissioner, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Moulana Haamid Mulla, Assistant to the Theological Director, South African National Halaal Authority
Moulana Mohamed Saeed Navlakhi, Director, South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA)
12:00
Thought Leadership: F&B supply chain sustainability and resilience in a customer-centric world
Post Covid-19 and initial Ukraine/Russia war disruptions, the Food & Beverage industry has been affected globally. Consumer buying behaviour and product preferences have altered. Logistics both bulk and last mile had to radically adapt. Add in power disruptions in South Africa and you have an industry with challenges. Satisfying customers in this environment means big changes to grow and even to survive. Doug will present a researched view on who, what, and how to keep us all fed and watered effectively.
Speaker:
Doug Hunter, Founder, Doug Hunter & Associates
13:00
Fireside chat: The future of retail in South Africa?
Retail is notorious for being fast-paced and highly competitive. If anything, the pandemic intensified this with evolving e-commerce shopping habits and changing consumer demands. This rapid change and volatility will continue to define the retail landscape in 2023. So, if you are a smaller independent retailer or trader come and hear from a panel of leading retailers and find out what they are doing on the future of retail.
Moderator:
Roelien Havenga, Director of Strategic Advisory, Daymon
In conversation with
Nicki Russel, Head of Product and Quality, PicknPay
Craige Pershouse, Senior Director – Africa, Daymon
14:00
Thought Leadership: Understanding food labeling in South Africa and what this means for your business
- Regulatory framework for labeling
- Minimum requirements for labeling all foodstuffs
- Allergen labeling in South Africa, EU, FDA, and Codex (how do they differ)
- Enforcement of regulations in South Africa
- The Consumer Protection Act and why it’s important
Speaker:
Gabrielle Stevens, Head: Regulatory and Nutrition Division, FACTS
*This is a provisional programme and subject to change
