The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa is a flagship event, organised by South African Trade Promotions, and takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 14 to 16 September.
As excitement mounts, exhibitors are eagerly unveiling their plans for this year’s event, which aims to build on the successes of its inaugural edition.
Leading local and international exhibitors will showcase a wide range of organic and natural products, spanning food and beverages, organic agriculture, beauty and skincare, health supplements, household items, and more.
Visitors can look forward to exploring the latest innovations and trends in the industry, gaining insights into sustainable and health-conscious lifestyles.
This year’s expo introduces the African Biotrade Festival, a collaborative effort with the German aid agency GIZ and supported by South Africa’s departments of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and Trade, Industry and Competition. Described by event organiser Warren Hickenbotham as a “game changer” for the expo, the festival will encompass various elements, including hosted overseas buyers, thought-provoking conferences, engaging workshops, productive matchmaking sessions, dynamic business-to-business forums, captivating demonstrations, and a plethora of investment and trade opportunities.
Imbizo
Another exciting development at the expo this year is the Women in Organic and Natural Products Imbizo, a groundbreaking initiative focused on empowering women entrepreneurs to thrive in the business world.
Taking place on Saturday 16 September, the Imbizo will share business opportunities for women in the sector. A panel of women excelling in the organic and natural products industry will share their journeys of successes and challenges. Guiding the proceedings will be entrepreneur Nobantu Mqulwana, founder of Rising Tide Advisory and Project Management.
One of the highlights of the Imbizo will be the keynote address delivered by Thina Nodada, CEO of Waymaker Trade Solutions.
Hickenbotham says the Imbizo provides a platform to foster a supportive and empowering environment and promote gender diversity and inclusivity within the industry.
“Attendees can look forward to an enriching experience that celebrates the achievements of women entrepreneurs and paves the way for a thriving and equitable business landscape in the sector.”
Exhibitors preparing for event
Gearing up to present a line-up of products and services at the Expo is Jane Mackenzie, architect and founder of 365 Healthy by Choice, a pioneering global natural medicine company with a unique virtual 24/7 link-up.
“At the upcoming exhibition, we will conduct live baseline assessments and health scans and offer the opportunity to gain insights into your body. Through our ‘Healthy by Choice’ risk identification process, we aim to address health challenges, providing tailored suggestions for healthier lives,” says Mackenzie.
Additionally, attendees will have access to an intravenous oxygen bar, designed to revitalise and replenish the body. “The benefits of oxygen therapy range from reducing oxidative stress to boosting circulation,” explains Mackenzie. “It plays a critical role in detoxing our bodies, fighting infections and autoimmune diseases, and alleviating inflammation, not to mention boosting overall metabolism.”
Mackenzie will also be hosting a unique Grounding Bar, offering visitors a first-hand experience of the benefits of earthing, or grounding mats. These devices facilitate direct contact with the Earth, simulating the electric current we naturally experience when we walk barefoot outside.
Register for the Women in Organic and Natural Products Imbizo.
