Africa Food Show 2026: A Key Event in the $1 Trillion African Food and Beverage Market
The African food and beverage sector is on the brink of significant growth. Currently valued at an impressive $346 billion in 2024, this sector is projected to soar to approximately $567 billion (R9 trillion) by 2032. With anticipations of reaching nearly $1 trillion (R16 trillion) by 2030, the time is ripe for innovations and partnerships in this burgeoning market.
Drivers of Market Growth
Several factors are propelling this transformation, including rapid urbanization, population growth, modernization of retail, and evolving consumer preferences. A rising middle class and a youthful, globally connected demographic are shifting purchasing behaviors towards premium, health-conscious, and convenient products.
Challenges and Urgency for Innovation
Despite the opportunities, the continent faces significant challenges. Hunger is an increasing concern, with nearly one in five Africans affected. Projections indicate that if current trends persist, up to 512 million people may face hunger by 2030, with nearly 60% of them residing in Africa. This scenario underscores the urgent need for innovations in food processing, pricing, logistics, and distribution.
Overview of Africa Food Show 2026
In this context, the Africa Food Show 2026 will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from June 10th to 12th, 2026. Positioned as Africa’s premier food and beverage sourcing platform, this three-day exhibition serves as a nexus where growth meets innovative solutions.
Connect with Industry Leaders
The event will bring together over 350 local and international exhibitors and 8,000 industry professionals from more than 60 countries. It provides an organized platform for sourcing, deal-making, and partnership development, supporting businesses looking to expand within African markets.
Unlocking New Opportunities
“Africa’s food and beverage sector is brimming with opportunity amid rapid urbanization and growing consumer demand,” states Margaret Peters, Event Director at dmg events. “Sustained growth will depend on stronger connections across the value chain. Africa Food Show 2026 is essential for unlocking new partnerships and driving measurable business growth.”
Legacy and Evolution of the Africa Food Show
Previously known as Africa’s Big 7 for 21 years, the event was rebranded in 2025 as Africa Food Show, aligning with the sector’s evolving needs. The inaugural edition under the new identity welcomed nearly 350 global exhibitors and over 9,000 attendees from diverse fields.
Hospitality and Food Procurement: A Synergistic Event
The 2026 edition will again be co-located with the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, acknowledging the vital link between hospitality growth and food procurement. With Africa’s hotel development pipeline boasting 577 hotels and resorts totaling over 104,000 rooms — a 13.3% increase year-on-year — the demand for foodservice and ingredient innovation remains robust.
Support from Industry Leaders
Leading industry partners like Synercore, Cape Food Ingredients, and Crown Food Group will support the event. “As Platinum Sponsors of Africa Food Show, we see first-hand the importance of this platform in connecting manufacturers with serious buyers across Africa,” says Alex Zabbia, Executive-Dairy at Synercore. The show helps foster essential commercial relationships that can enhance Africa’s food ecosystem.
Engaging Features and Workshops
Africa Food Show 2026 will incorporate innovative features, including the Africa Culinary Cup 2026, hosted in partnership with the South African Chefs Association, showcasing junior culinary teams from across Africa and the Middle East. Additional events like the Game of Chefs competition, the National Pizza Challenge, and National Burger Challenge will highlight culinary craftsmanship and innovation.
Create Meaningful Connections
Amidst increasing focus on local value addition and intra-African trade, platforms like the Africa Food Show become essential for creating credible business connections. The event will be a marketplace where manufacturers can establish distribution partnerships, brands can enter new territories, and retailers can discover innovative products.
Registration Information
Registration for industry professionals will open on March 18, 2026. Participants looking to explore new products, forge partnerships, and gain insights into Africa’s evolving food economy are encouraged to register.
For more comprehensive details, visit www.theafricafoodshow.com.
