CAPE TOWN – Driven by rapid urbanisation, population expansion and shifting consumer demand, Africa’s food economy is evolving at pace.
Africa’s food and beverage sector is entering a defining growth phase. Valued at approximately $346 billion in 2024, the continent’s food and beverage market is projected to reach approximately $567 billion (R9 trillion) by 2032, with longer-term projections placing the broader opportunity at nearly $1 trillion (R16 trillion) by 2030.
Rising incomes, a growing middle class and a young, globally connected consumer base are reshaping purchasing habits and accelerating demand for premium, health-focused, convenience and value-added products.
At the same time, structural pressures remain significant. Hunger is rising in Africa, where more than one in five people are affected. If current trends continue, as many as 512 million people could face hunger by 2030, nearly 60 percent of them in Africa.
8 000 industry professionals expected
These realities highlight the urgency of innovation in food processing, pricing, logistics and distribution. Against this context of both opportunity and structural pressure, Africa Food Show 2026 returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 10 to 12 June, drawing a high-calibre crowd of buyers and influencers from across the continent.
The three-day exhibition connects retail-ready food and beverage suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and technology providers with senior buyers, wholesalers, importers, exporters, hospitality groups and procurement leaders from across Africa and beyond.
“By bringing together more than 350 local and international exhibitors and over 8 000 industry professionals from more than 60 countries, the show provides a structured platform for sourcing, deal-making, partnership development and expansion into African markets.
“Africa’s food and beverage sector is brimming with opportunity amid rapid urbanisation, retail transformation and growing consumer demand,” says Margaret Peters, event director at dmg events.
“But sustained growth depends on stronger connections across the value chain. Africa Food Show 2026 is where suppliers, buyers and industry leaders come together to unlock new partnerships, strengthen route-to-market strategies and drive measurable business growth.”
Commercial momentum
Following a 21-year legacy as Africa’s Big 7, the event was rebranded in 2025 as Africa Food Show, marking a strategic evolution aligned with the changing needs of the market.
The inaugural edition under its new identity welcomed nearly 350 global exhibitors and more than 9 000 industry professionals from over 60 countries.
The 2026 edition will once again be co-located with Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, reflecting the link between hospitality growth and food procurement. Africa’s hotel development pipeline currently stands at 577 hotels and resorts totalling more than 104 000 rooms, up 13.3% year-on-year, signalling sustained demand for foodservice across the continent.
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The 2026 edition is supported by leading industry partners Synercore, Cape Food Ingredients and Crown Food Group.
“In 2025, the Africa Food Show wasn’t just an exhibit for us; it created the space for real commercial momentum, from new product development to distribution partnerships,” said Alex Zabbia, executive at Synercore.
Headline features will include: Africa Culinary Cup 2026, hosted in partnership with the South African Chefs Association, bringing junior culinary teams from across Africa and the Middle East to compete on an international stage; Game of Chefs, a live culinary innovation competition; National Pizza Challenge and National Burger Challenge, showcasing craftsmanship and product innovation; and on-floor workshops focused on innovation, sustainability, food safety and growth strategy.
To find out more information about the Africa Food Show, visit: www.theafricafoodshow.com.
