Press Release

For Immediate Release
13 April 2012

Bringing home the beef

Namibia, in southern Africa and Uruguay, in South America may not be making a huge blip on the global radar in terms of economic size and stature, yet both, in their respective ways, are making significant waves in the meat industry.

With animal health and welfare and the production of disease-free meat featuring high on many international markets’ selection criteria, both countries are developing reputations for their supply of excellent meat from top-quality animals. Both advocate natural methods of farming and dismiss the use of growth hormones.

Uruguay’s meat exports leapt by 21% in value in the first 11 months of 2011, compared with the same period the year before, totaling about 373,548 tons, according the country’s National Meat Board (INAC). About 80% of the country’s beef is exported and represents 6% of its GDP.

Namibia is famous for the taste and tenderness of its meat and also exports about 80% of its production. “Agriculture contributes approximately 6% to the Gross Domestic Product of the country. 80% of the agricultural GDP originates from the livestock sector. The value of the industry is growing annually,” says Paul Strydom, General Manager of The Meat Board of Namibia (Nammic).

But how do these relatively small industries increase the exposure of their quality products to more buyers and traders?

Both Nammic and INAC have confirmed their places at this year’s Africa Big Seven, the continent’s leading food and beverage trade exhibition, which will provide them with vast opportunity for networking and forging business relationships with new international markets.

“AB7 provides a showcase for Namibia’s meat products. I’d absolutely recommend it to others in the meat industry as it offers the opportunity to explore new business ventures,” says Strydom.

Africa’s Big Seven is a ‘seven-in-one’ exhibition covering the entire food and beverage industry from ‘crop to shop’. In 2011, exhibitors came from 32 countries, showcasing over 3 000 product items in more than 431 categories.

The event is co-located with the Southern African Trade Exhibition (SAITEX), dedicated to non-food and beverage products. The combined events attracted nearly 15,000 visitors from 54 countries in 2011. To see more about AB7 and SAITEX, view the 2011 expo video on YouTube – simply go to www.youtube.com and in the top search window type ‘Saitex and Africa’s Big Seven 2011’.

Contact details
For more information about AB7, contact Lineke van der Brugghen at Exhibition Management Services.
Tel: +27 (11) 783 7250
Email: admin@exhibitionsafrica.com
Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com

Photo

Caption:  Paul Strydom: General Manager The Meat Board of Namibia.

Issued by:   CVLC
Date Issued:                  12 April 2012
Contact Persons:           Catherine Larkin
Telephone:                    (011) 789-7327 / 083 300 0331
Fax:                              (011) 787-7865
E-mail:                          catherine@cvlc.co.za
Postal Address:             P O Box 44945, Linden, 2104

For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE                                                                            
13 April 2012

679 words

BRICS AFRICA EXPORT IMPORT FORUM:
Breaking boundaries for retail into Africa

“The prospects for international retailers to tap into the vast potential for trade and business in Africa and other emerging nations has increased exponentially with this development,” says Stephen Oehley, Director of the Brics Africa Portfolio for Southern African Trade promotions.

Speaking about the recent inclusion of Future of Trade 2012 with the DHL BRICS Africa Export Import Forum in July this year, Oehley says there is a synergy between the events that covers all the bases for any business hoping to cut through the red tape of bureaucracy and forge new ties across borders.

The fact that the events take place in South Africa is strategically significant. The country’s sound financial sector and well-developed infrastructure as well as its history of independent decision making means it offers easy access to a consumer population in Africa of close to one billion people. Added to this about 50 % of arable land is in Africa, so there is enormous potential for retailers to procure new markets for produce. The country is also a leader in mineral and industrial output, electricity generation and sophisticated service industries, making it a preferred entry point into the rest of the continent.

Says Oehley: “The Future of Trade Africa covers the ‘how to’ aspect of doing business in Africa. It is a commerce exchange and business matchmaking platform and conference on how to succeed in Africa. Some of the big guns that have already made it on the continent offer case studies and advice for prospective investors who might have been put off by the perceived difficulty of doing business here.”

BRICS Africa Export Import Forum, meanwhile, is an event designed to keep importers and exporters abreast of the constantly changing dynamics of international trade among the powerful emerging BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economies.

“The Forum will provide a solid knowledge base to help facilitate partnerships and trade opportunities between BRICS nations and countries across the African continent,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, co-organisers of the event. The Forum is designed to maximise multilateral trade activity, and includes a programme of educational workshops as well as a series of Intra-BRIC trade opportunity presentations.

The workshops cover everything a prospective trader might want to know from the prerequisites for successful international trading to selecting carriers and third-party logistics providers. These are followed by a cocktail function where participants can meet with presenters and network with other traders.

The country opportunity presentations, meanwhile, comprise 45-minute themed slots, which are assigned to each of the BRICS countries.

“We’ve put together an interesting basket of talks that will enable representatives from each of the BRICS countries to put forward their case,” says Nada Reyneke Head of International Trade at the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce (JCCI). “These cover most of what a potential trader is likely to want to know, such as ease of conducting business, investment opportunities as well as import and export opportunities in that country.”

Of added value to the retailer, who can maximize his or her time outside of business is the fact that the Forum takes place alongside two other major shows; Africa’s Big Seven food and beverage trade exhibition and the Southern African International Trade Exhibition. With close on 800 exhibitors at these shows, the Forum delegates will have access to participants from more than 50 countries – and limitless trade opportunities.

Contact details

• For more information on SAITEX, contact Anina Hough at Exhibition Management Services. Tel: +27 11 783 7250. saitex@exhibitionsafrica.com.
• For more information on Africa’s Big Seven contact Lineke van der Brugghen at Exhibition Management Services. Tel: +27 11 783 7250. admin@exhibitionsafrica.com
• For more information on the BRICS Africa Export/Import Forum and Future of Trade 2012, contact Stephen Oehley at SA Trade Promotions. Tel: +27 11  026 6313. E-mail: stephen@bricsafricab2b.com
• For more information on the JCCI’s trade opportunity sessions, contact Nada Reyneke on 011 726 5300 or e-mail nada@jcci.co.za

About Exhibition Management Services
 South African-based Exhibition Management Services (EMS) is one of the longest established event organisers in the country and is still the only company on the continent experienced in delivering Pan African exhibition programmes. Events to date have been established in: Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.
With nearly 30 years networking in Africa, EMS’s databases are unique in the industry allowing for unrivalled identification, notification and participation of qualified trade visitors to their events.

About South African Trade Promotion Services
SATP is an event development and management company that in partnership with Exhibition Management Services (Pty) Ltd (EMS) has developed the BRICS Africa Portfolio of Business Promotion products. SATP focuses on the development of innovative and practical solutions that add value and benefits to both exhibitors and visitors attending trade exhibitions.  



Contents:
­Issued by:                    CVLC
Date Issued:                16 March 2012
Contact Persons:        Catherine Larkin
Telephone:                  (011) 789-7327 / 083-300-0331
Fax:                             (011) 787-7865
E-mail: catherine@cvlc.co.za


Postal Address: P O Box 44945, Linden, 2104, South Africa




For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE                                                                         
16 March 2012

BRICS AFRICA EXPORT IMPORT FORUM:
SOUTH AFRICA’s POSITION AS “AFRICA’S GATEWAY” SOLIDIFIED

South Africa’s status as a regional logistics and infrastructure powerhouse makes it the only viable gateway for trade into the rest of Africa. This strategic advantage also gives the country a valuable and unique role as a member of BRICS, the powerful ‘emerging economies’ alliance between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

BRICS member nations will form the backbone of the inaugural BRICS Africa Export Import Forum, an event designed to keep importers and exporters abreast of the constantly changing dynamics of international trade.

“The Forum will provide a solid knowledge base to help facilitate partnerships and trade opportunities between BRICS nations and countries across the African continent,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, co-organisers of the event. The three-day Forum is designed to maximise multilateral trade activity, and includes a programme of Intra-BRIC trade opportunity presentations, as well as a series of educational workshops.

“The Forum takes place alongside two major shows; Africa’s Big Seven Food and Beverage trade exhibition, and the Southern African International Trade Exhibition,” adds Thomson. “With close on 800 exhibitors at these shows, the Forum delegates will have access to participants from more than 50 countries – and limitless trade opportunities.” All the events take place from 15 to 17 July at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

“With a sound financial sector, a well-developed infrastructure and a history of independent decision-making, South Africa offers BRIC nations easy access to a consumer population in Africa of one billion people, and provides a sound base for future expansion into the continent,” adds Thomson. The country is also a leader in mineral and industrial output, electricity generation and sophisticated service industries. “Africa is the world’s third-fastest growing market – and BRIC countries are actively seeking access to African markets to fuel their rise by buying primary resources and exporting manufactured goods,” continues Thomson. “The BRIC nations see South Africa as the preferred entry point into the rest of the continent.”

He points out that South Africa is thinking BRICS; expanding flight connections and marketing tourism to BRICS countries. “We are even tailoring investment opportunities and terms to meet the needs of our new strategic partners.”

India Welcomes Forum Participation

“India attaches considerable importance to BRICS and welcomes South Africa’s entry into this organisation of emerging economies,” say Virendra Gupta, India’s High Commissioner. “The BRICS Africa Export Import Forum naturally provides us with a useful opportunity to meet with South African companies and business entities.”

India will be participating in a special trade symposium on BRICS and Africa – as will all the other BRICS members – Russia, India and China.

Gupta confirms that the trade ties between India and South Africa have witnessed “rapid acceleration” during the past few years. “Bilateral trade has already crossed the figure of US$ 11 billion in 2010-11 and we are now working on the target of US$15 billion by 2014 which has been set by the Trade Ministers of the two countries,’ he continues.  “Investment flows both ways have also been equally robust, having already crossed the mark of US$10 billion.”

Gupta adds that India follows a long-term approach in their dealings with Africa and aims to consolidate and build upon their historic ties with countries in the continent.  “Our focus accordingly has been on building partnerships through requisite contribution to capacity building and human resource development,” he concludes.

Contact details

• For more information on SAITEX, contact Anina Hough at Exhibition Management Services. Tel: +27 11 783 7250. saitex@exhibitionsafrica.com
• For more information on Africa’s Big Seven contact Lineke van der Brugghen at Exhibition Management Services. Tel: +27 11 783 7250. admin@exhibitionsafrica.com
• For more information on the BRICS Africa Export/Import Forum, contact Stephen Oehley at SA Trade Promotions. Tel: +27 11  026 6313. E-mail: stephen@bricsafricab2b.com
• For more information on the JCCI’s trade opportunity sessions, contact Nada Reyneke on 011 726 5300 or e-mail nada@jcci.co.za

About Exhibition Management Services
 South African-based Exhibition Management Services (EMS) is one of the longest established event organisers in the country and is still the only company on the continent experienced in delivering Pan African exhibition programmes. Events to date have been established in: Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.
With nearly 30 years networking in Africa, EMS’s databases are unique in the industry allowing for unrivalled identification, notification and participation of qualified trade visitors to their events.

About South African Trade Promotion Services

SATP is an event development and management company that in partnership with Exhibition Management Services (Pty) Ltd (EMS) has developed the BRICS Africa Portfolio of Business Promotion products. SATP focuses on the development of innovative and practical solutions that add value and benefits to both exhibitors and visitors attending trade exhibitions. 

 




PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

10 March 2012

566 Words

Africa’s Big Seven attracts more US and EU Exhibitors for 2012

More companies from Europe and the US are signing up as exhibitors for Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) this year. AB7 is the biggest international food and beverage trade exhibition on the African continent. 

After its 12th year of record visitor attendance and ever-expanding exhibitor footprint, food industry manufacturers and producers from abroad are recognising the potential of Africa’s Big Seven as a gateway to the rest of Africa. Companies from the USA, Poland and Portugal are just a few of the latest to sign up for the show, which takes place from 15 to 17 July at Gallagher Convention Centre.

Italian Meatballs from America

Family-owned Rosina Food Products, Inc. has been in business for almost 50 years in Buffalo, New York. Rosina is the leading manufacturer of frozen Italian meatballs and filled pasta in the United States. It has plants in New York and Chicago, and produces 27-million kgs of products a year.

Last year Rosina’s announced an alliance with Orion Cold Storage in Cape Town. The local company will market four new ‘heat and serve’ Halaal-certified Italian-filled pasta dishes exclusively developed for it by Rosina’s. The first delivery is expected in April 2012.

“We are especially excited to introduce Orion’s full line-up of stuffed pasta and meatballs to the South African retail and foodservice communities,” said Thomas P. Murphy, Vice President of the International Sales Division at Rosina Food Products. “The range includes ravioli, tortellini and stuffed shells, and Rosina’s full product range will be on display at Africa’s Big Seven.”

Frutiest Gets Fruitier

Portuguese fruit processing company Frulact has also expanded into Africa and will be making its début at this year’s AB7 show. Last year the company built a R100-million plant in Pretoria in a joint venture with Blendtonel’s Fruï Zest, a  South African business specialising in yoghurt fruit pulp preparations, yoghurt syrups, milk blend concentrates, pie fillings, cake toppings, jams and ice-creams.

Frulact President John Miranda says the venture is part of the group’s expansion strategy. ”South Africa is an excellent platform for accessing the entire Southern African Development Community, and Angola and Mozambique are also key markets for us.”
Ice Cream Machines for Africa

Ice Group, the ice-cream manufacturer based in Poland, celebrated 20 years in business last year. It has the widest variety of ice-cream machines in the world. One of its latest products is the Jumbo Robot, a robotic machine that automatically fills and decorates scoop tub ice-cream, making it look like it’s hand-made. The Jumbo will be on active display at AB7.

About Africa’s Big Seven

Africa’s Big Seven is a ‘seven-in-one’ exhibition covering the entire food and beverage industry from ‘crop to shop’. In 2011, exhibitors came from 32 countries, showcasing over 3 000 product items in more than 431 categories. AB7 2012 is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00 from 15 to 17 July.

AB7 is held annually together with the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX). To see more about AB7 and SAITEX, view the 2010 expo video on YouTube – simply go to www.youtube.com and in the top search window type ‘Saitex and Africa’s Big Seven’.

Visitors to both exhibitions can pre-register at www.exhibitionsafrica.com.

Contact details
For more information about AB7, contact Lineke van der Brugghen at Exhibition Management Services.
Tel: +27 (11) 783 7250
Email: admin@exhibitionsafrica.com


Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com


Photos



Caption: Rosina’s delicious Manicotti, with Napolitano sauce.



Caption: Ice Group’s latest innovation, the Jumbo Robot.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

30 January 2012

45 Words

FoodBiz is Big Biz!

Africa’s Big Seven, the biggest and most comprehensive food and beverage trade exhibition in Africa, is just months away. It takes place from 15 to 17 July 2012 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

FoodBiz Africa is just one of the seven component expos which make up Africa’s Big Seven (AB7).  “FoodBiz Africa showcases food, services and equipment for the hospitality industry, and continues to grow in size and popularity,” says John Thomson, managing director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the massive show. “First brought into the Big Seven line-up in 2008, FoodBiz Africa has grown into an industry favourite; it’s the second most popular show in the AB7 portfolio.”

Aysha Raad, Sales Director of the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA), says AB7 gets more insightful every year she attends.  “Because Africa’s Big Seven is an international show, its offering is very diversified,” says Raad. “However, Foodbiz Africa in particular provides a fantastic networking opportunity for our members to find new suppliers and source new products focused for our industry. Our members benefit hugely from the show; they can find hundreds of new ideas and ways to provide better service to their customers.”

Viviana Serfontein from the Commercial Section of the Argentinean Embassy is a big fan of the AB7 exhibition; “Every year is better and bigger,” she says.

Francisco Matos e Silva, Media and Communications Manager of Angolan drinks company Refriango, is also full of praise for the show. “”The quality of the facilities and the variety of exhibitors is outstanding. We made many valuable contacts from exhibiting at AB7 last year.”

Pieter van Rooyen, General Manager of the Protea Hotel in Bloemfontein, was one of the 8 518 visitors who attended AB7 last year. “I went there to find out more about what new products are available for the hospitality industry, and I found plenty; the show was very good, with great variety.”

About FoodBiz Africa and Africa’s Big Seven

Africa’s Big Seven is a ‘seven-in-one’ exhibition covering the entire food and beverage industry from ‘crop to shop’. In 2011, exhibitors came from 32 countries, showcasing over 3 000 product items in more than 431 categories. AB7 2012 is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00 from 15 to 17 July.

AB7 is held annually together with the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX). To see more about AB7 and SAITEX, view the 2010 expo video on YouTube – simply go to www.youtube.com and in the top search window type ‘Saitex and Africa’s Big Seven’.

Visitors to both exhibitions can pre-register at www.exhibitionsafrica.com.

Contact details
For more information about AB7, contact Lineke van der Brugghen at Exhibition Management Services.
Tel: +27 (11) 783 7250
Email: admin@exhibitionsafrica.com
Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com

 

Issued by:                     CVLC
Date Issued:                  30 January 2012
Contact Persons:           Catherine Larkin
Telephone:                    (011) 789-7327 / 083 300 0331
Fax:                              (011) 787-7865
E-mail:                          catherine@cvlc.co.za