AB7 attracts record number of visitors

"For the last 11 years, the show has grown into a successful exhibition for stakeholders in the food and beverage industry," says show organiser, John Thomson of Exhibition Management Services. "It is optimally positioned as the springboard into African markets and has become the definitive event for business owners to network with vendors both locally and internationally, and establish lasting relationships.

"Over half the visitors were leaders and decision-makers - owners, managing directors, directors or managers of companies, making up 54% of visitors, up by 2% from 2013."

Doing business at AB7

12 companies hosted by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) held over 170 meetings to market their Halaal products and services and generated R73-million in sales. FEDHASA generated over 130 positive leads and over 70 stakeholder contacts.

Countries that were represented at this year's show for the first time included Belarus, Egypt, France, Gambia, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and Seychelles, South Korea and the Ukraine.

Enquiries for Halaal products increased from 21% up to 24%, vegetarian products from 13% to 16%, and kosher from 9% to 12%.

"Visitors showed considerable interest in manufacturing equipment, South African products, baking equipment, coffee companies, health products, packaging solutions and equipment, wine and alcohol suppliers, and catering equipment," concludes Thomson.

For more information, go to www.exhibitionsafrica.com.