Inaugural Food & Drink Technology Africa expo

"Alongside its function as a technology showcase, fdt Africa will also be a platform for networking, the exchange of expertise and continuing professional development. It will bring together global manufacturers of food machinery, beverage technology and packaging machinery, with local manufacturers of the same kind," explains Elaine Crewe, CEO of MMI South Africa.

According to the Gauteng provisional treasury, the retail and wholesale sector has contributed significantly toward the South African economy due to the expansion of retailers within the rural areas of South Africa, which has in turn increased the level of employment opportunities available among the youth.

The sector offered employment opportunities to 4 million South Africans and, according to Trading Economics, contributed 12.5% toward the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the third quarter of 2013.

According to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey for Q1 2014, the Wholesale & Retail Trade sector in South Africa reported some gains in employment for the first quarter of the year, with a net employment outlook of +8%. The sector also experienced an 8% growth year-on-year.

The show will introduce new products and technologies to the sector, allowing for development of the sector and its drive toward sustainability. It will also allow the South African retail and wholesale sector to improve its ranking on the Global Retail Development Index, by being more globally competitive.

"The show could bode well for the industry and ensure that it continues to grow at a steady pace," explains Petra Westphal, exhibition group director, Messe München International.

The event, which is aimed at evolving the African market place, has drawn strong support from exhibitors and is almost filled to capacity. A full list of exhibitors can be found at www.fdt-africa.com.