Anuga Select South Africa launches as new gateway to Africa’s food and beverage market

dmg events and Koelnmesse – the organiser behind Anuga in Cologne, Germany – are bringing Anuga Select to South Africa: a new trade platform for Africa’s food and beverage industry. Evolving from the established Africa Food Show, formerly Africa’s Big 7, the event brings the international network and brand strength of Anuga to one of Africa’s key food and beverage trade hubs.

Anuga Select South Africa will take place from 22 to 24 June 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town.

The launch follows the record-breaking success of this year’s Africa Food Show, which saw visitor registration double and welcomed participants from more than 36 countries including China, India, Germany, Brazil, Poland and Pakistan.

The event’s continued growth and increasing international participation highlighted the demand for a larger platform capable of connecting global suppliers with Africa’s rapidly expanding food and beverage market.

Bringing one of the world’s most renowned food and beverage trade fair brands to South Africa for the first time, the event combines the strength of an established African food trade exhibition with the international reach, reputation and expertise of Anuga.

Positioned as a leading B2B platform for the food and beverage industry, Anuga Select South Africa will connect international suppliers, regional manufacturers, distributors, retailers and hospitality buyers through three days of sourcing, networking and business development opportunities. The event will showcase products, innovations and solutions across the full food and beverage value chain while supporting cross-border trade and strategic partnerships across Africa.

As Africa’s food and agribusiness market continues its rapid expansion, Anuga Select South Africa launches at a time of significant opportunity for international and regional businesses looking to establish and grow their presence across the continent. Africa’s food and agribusiness market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, driven by population growth, urbanisation and rising consumer demand.

South Africa remains one of Africa’s leading food and beverage trade hubs, offering established retail networks, advanced infrastructure and direct access to fast-growing consumer markets across the continent. With Cape Town recognised as a key centre for food innovation, hospitality and international business, the event creates a strategic gateway for companies looking to connect with buyers actively sourcing products, technologies and solutions for Africa’s evolving food and beverage industry.

The event will attract senior decision-makers and buyers from supermarkets, distributors, wholesalers, food service companies, hotels, restaurants, importers, exporters, e-commerce grocery platforms and hospitality procurement teams across the African market. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase products across a broad range of sectors including fine food, dairy, meat and poultry, frozen food, fresh produce, bakery, beverages, organic and health food, ingredients, food technology, packaging and hospitality solutions.

Designed to support business growth and market expansion, Anuga Select South Africa will offer exhibitors direct access to buyers actively seeking new supplier partnerships, product innovations and sourcing opportunities.

Alongside the exhibition, the event will also deliver industry insight, networking opportunities and discussions focused on the future of food trade, consumer trends and supply chain development across the African market.

Matt Denton, president of dmg events, says: “Anuga Select South Africa represents an exciting new chapter for the African food and beverage industry. By transforming the established market presence of Africa Food Show into the global recognition and expertise of the Anuga brand, we are creating a powerful platform that supports international trade, regional partnerships and long-term industry growth across Africa. The event is designed to deliver real business outcomes for exhibitors and visitors alike while supporting the continued evolution of Africa’s food economy.”

Adds Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH: “Anyone looking at Africa’s food industry today sees far more than growing consumer markets. Across many countries, strong businesses, innovative brands and new trading networks are emerging. International trade fair platforms create visibility and open doors to a global range of customers and partners, particularly for SMEs.

“With Anuga Select South Africa, we are bringing one of our most trusted brands into this dynamic environment and, together with dmg events, creating a platform that connects African and international market players.”