The global trade show industry is projected to reach $88.6 billion in 2026 and expand to $171.6 billion by 2032, reinforcing the growing importance of individual platforms for commercial growth. Against this backdrop, ingredient leaders such as Synercor and Cape Food Ingredients are expanding their presence at the Africa Food Show 2026, citing their proven business impact.
The event has evolved from a traditional exhibition into a high-value marketplace, enabling companies to accelerate expansion into high-growth African regions, drive component innovation and build direct relationships with key decision makers. For many suppliers, it serves as a strategic hub to develop long-term distribution channels and ensure entry into Africa's rapidly growing food economy.
This change is reflected in stronger commitments for 2026 followed by measurable returns in 2025. Companies are increasingly prioritizing deal-making over brand visibility, establishing the show as a platform to reach buyers, drive product development and strengthen pan-African networks.
Trade shows remain a significant portion of B2B marketing budgets. Exhibitors allocate up to 40% of their spend to such events, which generate approximately 33% of annual new business at a 4:1 return on investment, rising to 5:1 among Fortune 500 companies. In Africa's relationship-driven markets, face-to-face engagement remains particularly effective, with 99% of marketers favoring it for high-quality lead generation and stakeholder engagement.
Africa Food Show 2026 It will take place on 10-12 June at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will host more than 350 exhibitors – including more than 25 constituent companies – and attract more than 8,000 food and hospitality professionals from more than 60 countries.
The exhibition brings together buyers, distributors, importers, exporters and hospitality leaders, providing a structured platform for sourcing, deal-making and market expansion across the continent.
“In 2025, the Africa Food Show was not just an exhibition for us; it created space for real business momentum from new product development to distribution partnerships,” said Alex Zabia, dairy executive at Synercor. “We are moving forward as a platinum and registration sponsor for 2026 because we have found that this program builds relationships with serious African buyers – turning them into permanent contracts as we scale across Eastern and Southern Africa, building on approximately 9,500 professionals from 60+ countries last year,” says Zabia.
“At Synercor, we don't just develop products, we develop possibilities. With Africa's population set to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, the food industry has never been more important to the future of our continent,” explains Dr. Tertius Cilliers, Chief Executive Officer of Synercor. “The Africa Food Show is an ideal platform where innovation thrives through collaboration, integrity and excellence, especially meaningful as we celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2026,” Cilliers said.
Synercor is one of South Africa's leading food manufacturers, combining scientific expertise with targeted investment to support product development in line with growing consumer demand.
Brian Lanton, regional director of Cape Food Ingredients, emphasizes the same focus on practical collaboration. “The Africa Food Show provides an invaluable platform to foster meaningful partnerships and showcase innovation tailored to African markets. As a Silver Sponsor for 2026, Cape Food Ingredients is looking forward to connecting with manufacturers and industry stakeholders to present our expertise in sugar reduction, flavor systems and functional ingredient solutions. Come taste samples with us! Our focus is on supporting customer new product development and delivering cost-effective innovations that support the growing African food industry. meet the needs.”
Cape Food Ingredients specializes in innovation in beverages, dairy, bakery, sauces and confectionery, offering advanced sugar-reduction technologies, flavor systems, stabilizers and cost-efficient product development tailored to African markets.
As global and regional food brands turn their attention to Africa, Africa Food Show 2026 It is fast becoming established as a platform where commercial partnerships are formed and enhanced. The 2026 edition is expected to strengthen international participation while maintaining strong business momentum across the region.
Registration is now open to industry professionals looking to source products, explore partnerships and gain insight into Africa’s emerging food landscape.
About DMG Event
DMG Events is a global organizer of face-to-face exhibitions and publisher of information services, operating in more than 20 countries and organizing more than 90 events annually. The company connects businesses to relevant industry communities to support growth in sectors including construction, hospitality, energy, food and beverage and transportation.
With a broad international presence, DMG Programs attracts hundreds of thousands of participants each year and manages a portfolio of leading industry exhibitions around the world.
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