SA Agro-Processors Chase Global Growth

Exports growth and international trade diversification pursuit anchor German trade fair participation

Mpho Sekharume

A powerful contingent of 30 South African agro-processing firms, representing six provinces, is set to make a major push into international markets at the renowned Anuga International Trade Fair, which is set to commence in Germany tomorrow, 4 October 2025.

This is part of South Africa’s aggressive pursuit of penetrating more global markets in lieu of succumbing to the economic pressures imposed by the strained trade relations with the United States. The mission also underscores the country’s determination to turn its vast agricultural resources and processing expertise into greater economic opportunities for growth.

According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) deputy minister, Zuko Godlimpi, South Africa’s participation affirms the country’s aggressive pursuit to attain more international customers as part of the country’s broader economic strategy.

The delegation’s trip to the German trade fair has been facilitated by the DTIC through its Export and Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme – which is central to the government’s efforts to facilitate market access for quality, value-added South African products.

“This initiative is a deliberate part of South Africa’s commitment to export-led industrialisation,” stated Godlimpi.

He added: “Our goal is to strategically diversify our global market footprint and significantly increase our capacity to export sophisticated, value-added goods and services.”

Under the Sustainable Growth theme, the biennial trade fair stands as the world's most significant business-to-business platform for the food and beverage industry. The event drew around 140 000 visitors from 200 countries in its last edition

South Africa's participation, therefore, offers a critical opportunity for local companies to secure deals with importers, distributors, and retailers arriving from almost every continent.

The trade fair, which will take place in the city of Cologne, will end this coming Wednesday, 8 October 2025.