Food Africa and PACPROCESS Middle East Africa (MEA) Conferences Start Dec. 12

From December 12 – 14, 2023,  the highly acclaimed professional trade fairs Food Africa and pacprocess Middle East Africa (MEA) will present trends and innovations for the food, beverage, processing and packaging industry with a focus on the African continent and the MEA member states. More than 900 exhibitors from 32 countries in four halls are expected at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in Cairo, a new record. The trade fair duo is supported by the Egyptian Ministry for Trade and Industry and by the Ministry for Supply and Internal Trade. Both events underline Egypt’s and Africa’s commitment to economic growth and technological progress, as well as the importance of international trade and industry for the region.

Food Africa, the No. 1 trade fair for the African food market, and pacprocess MEA with its focus on the processing and packaging industry, are organized by IFP Egypt, Konzept Exhibitions & Events and Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. Both trade fairs offer a unique platform as part of the interpack alliance. This year’s partner country of Food Africa is Kuwait, which will be represented with a joint stand.

Demographic dynamics and economic potential

The positive development of Food Africa and pacprocess MEA reflect the rapid market development. The population of Africa will grow from 1.42 billion people in 2022 to approximately 2.5 billion people by 2050 (source: Africon). Africa is facing a significant change in consumer habits, caused by a rise in average incomes, growing urbanization, increased use of smartphones and a rising demand for health and wellness products – great opportunities for the food industry, manufacturers of consumer goods and the packaging industry.

Future-oriented agenda

The events are characterized by a varied program focusing on topics of the future and sustainable developments. Part of the trade fairs’ program will be lectures, live cooking & barista shows as well as a hosted buyers’ program which allows participants to directly contact suppliers and establish new business relations. More than 500 purchasers have already signed up for B2B matchmaking. To support women, there will be a “SHE Pavilion” for the first time to support female entrepreneurs and start-ups, organized by USAID and the Chamber of the Food Industry, as well as a “Women in Business” get-together. Another premiere will be the innovation competition for small and medium sized companies, organized by GIZ, USAID, Food Export Council, and Printing & Packaging Export Council.

Focus on sustainability and SAVE FOOD

This year, pacprocess MEA will especially focus on sustainability and the fight against food loss and waste. As part of the conference program, visitors can expect not only inspiring award ceremonies, but also panel discussions dedicated to these key topics. One highlight will be the first presentation of the “Sustainability Design Awards”, which recognize particularly sustainable products. In addition, the winner of the SAVE FOOD Initiative project competition will have the opportunity to present their pioneering project. Another milestone for 2023 is the partnership with SIG as a Sustainability Partner. This cooperation will enable the topic of sustainability to be promoted in the MEA region.

Conference highlights: From food security to export opportunities

The Food Africa conference will cover key topics such as Egypt’s food and agriculture strategy with a focus on food safety, followed by presentations about fresh products and specific topics such as the date industry and regional agricultural systems. Further topics are sponsorship programs, government organizations and opportunities to export to Africa.

In parallel, the pacprocess conference will offer insights into FMCG marketing and branding with a discussion on future trends in packaging design and marketing. Other presentations will cover topics such as sustainability, the protection of intellectual property, innovations against food loss and waste and market entry strategies for packaging manufacturers in emerging markets as well as safety, quality and logistics in the pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetics industries.

For further information on visiting or exhibiting, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit www.pacprocess-mea.com and  www.foodafrica-expo.com