23 Jan 2017 From farm to fork – Africa’s top F&B show gets a makeover

Africa’s Big 7, the continent’s leading event for the food & beverage industry, newly rebranded, runs from June 25 to 27 at Gallagher Estate, and will attract senior buyers from across the sector.

The expo showcases seven specialised sectors, covering everything from fresh produce and ingredients to manufacturing technologies, processing and packaging equipment, retail ready products, hospitality and catering equipment and much more.

The show has been revamped and relaunched this year to meet the needs of a changing market.

AB7 was acquired last year by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa and its Africa Vice President, Christine Davidson, explained the decision to rebrand and refocus the show, which has been running for 14 years.

“AB7 has been the meeting place for the industry for many years and therefore provides a solid foundation for us, as the new owners, to take the event forward working with the industry as we go” she said.

“Requirements are changing and the 2017 show will reflect that – from a new focus on specialist ingredients, flavours and food trends to the latest production and technology driven processes.

“This year’s show will be brought into line with buyers’ needs offering essential information, live demonstrations and discussion with a bit of inspiration too. The rebrand and repositioning will be reflected in everything we do in terms of content, visitor & exhibitor engagement, show collateral and website.”

AB7 offers suppliers the most direct route to buyers and distributors from 25 African countries and attracts exhibitors from around the world.

For exhibitors, AB7 offers an efficient solution to meeting f&b professionals to drive growth.

Davidson said: “And there is no better place than South Africa for the 15th edition of Africa’s Big 7, it being the largest and most sophisticated food and drink sectors on the continent. It is ideal for exhibitors looking for expansion or route to market and will be a great show to meet new clients and secure new business.”

The rebranded AB7 is co-located with SAITEX 2017 – Africa’s largest product sourcing event – and The Hotel Show Africa 2017, one of the world’s most successful hospitality event brands, at The Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from June 25 to 27.

For more information visit www.africabig7.com