Africa’s first international organic and natural product expo
It is reported that at least 70% of consumers globally are more likely to make purchases based on whether there would be a reduced impact on the environment, and 41% are willing to pay more to do so by buying all-natural and organic goods. Studies show that organic and natural products are set to become even more popular. By Khanyisile Madladla
Responding to this market need, SA Trade Promotions (SATP), hosted the inaugural Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2022 to the South African public on 21 to 23 October at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
There was a variety of consumer activities on offer, from demonstrations and a presentation theatre to product tasting of a range of organics and natural foods and full-scale health assessments.
With more than 100 exhibitors from all around Africa represented, the expo attracted thousands of visitors over the three days. “Consumers are increasingly using their purchasing power to prioritise health, wellness, and the environment – making the timing of this Expo opportune, as it showcases what is available to South Africans under one roof,” says expo organiser John Thomson.
Exciting Speaker Line-Up Included:
The speaker programme focused on topics related to the organic and natural market, including:
- Gary Jackson, founder of Jackson’s Real Food Markets, who will talk about ‘How to get listed in retail’
- Lloyd Abernathy will be presenting on ‘The story of the Moringa Initiative
- Caroline MCann of Slow Food
- Lorraine Jenks of GreenStuff
- Michelle Sohn of 10 million Makers, whose topic is ‘Changing the world, one garden at a time’
- Chris Edington, Chief Executive Officer of Shopstar
- Kgalaletso Mothooagae, Managing Director of Safe Bite Consulting, will present on ‘The certification journey’
- Jane Mackenzie, Owner, and Founder of 265 Healthy by Choice, will present on ‘Building life force: your energy is your currency’
- Regulatory consultant and trainer Esthi Beukes from Regipharm will share information on the regulatory matters
- Jenny Slabber, General Manager at Talborne Organics, will present on ‘Organic fertiliser: best practices’
- Cherese Nel from Perpetual Kindness will address ‘The introduction of organic waste repurposing solutions through the concept of worm farms’
- The team from the SA Organic Sector Association (SAOSO) will also be sharing information about their organisation, standards, and the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).
- Peterson Molukanelo, General Manager for Marketing, Trade, and Investment from the Free State Development Corporation will address delegates on ‘Free State investment opportunities’
Essential therapy
Jane Mackenzie’s Natural Quantum Medicine Centre is offer expo visitors free lifestyle health assessments that cover 40 systems and organs; including vital stats such as blood pressure, oximeter oxygen, height and weight measurements tested. A complete health reset was also on offer at the show.
Sustainability coach and green procurement consultant Lorraine Jenks will be speaking at the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa
Jane Mackenzie’s Natural Quantum Medicine Centre is offered expo visitors free lifestyle health assessments which cover 40 systems and organs, totaling 450 readings! These “Know Your Body” assessments take 5 – 10 minutes and are conducted by professionals and registered nursing sisters.