Why you should attend

The food and beverage industry in Africa faces numerous challenges, including food security, sustainability, nutritional access, regulatory compliance, food safety, supply chain resilience, environmental impact, consumer trends, and technological integration. These issues threaten the stability and growth of the sector, making it crucial to find innovative and effective solutions.


The Food Connect Forum, themed Improving Africa's Food Systems through Compliance and Innovation is the premier event addressing these critical challenges. The event is scheduled to take place on the 26th & 27th November 2024 at the Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa. Attendees will gain cutting-edge insights into advancements in agricultural technologies, food safety protocols, and sustainable practices. Expert-led sessions and panel discussions will provide valuable knowledge on food security, nutritional access, regulatory changes, and supply chain resilience.

The forum offers unparalleled networking opportunities with key stakeholders from government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations, fostering partnerships and collaborations. Additionally, participants will stay informed on the latest food policies and regulations, ensuring compliance and competitiveness, and learn how to elevate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Strategic supply chain management, advanced analytics, and warehouse management systems will also be explored to optimize operations.

The Food Connect Forum is an unmissable event for anyone involved in the food and beverage industry, providing the knowledge and connections needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape and contribute to a more secure and sustainable food system for Africa. Secure your place now and be part of the transformation!
OIP (3)
I think it's one of the most important battles for consumers to fight: the right to know what's in their food,
and how it was grown.
Joel Salatin

Learn new areas to grow in

• Transforming food security and sustainability: Government's role as a catalyst
• Affordable nutrition: Creating accessible, nutritious products for all
• Navigating South Africa's food policy landscape
• Excellence in food safety and quality control
• Decoding food and beverage labelling changes
• Exploring food tech innovations
• Elevating ESG Standards in the food and beverage sector
• Strategic innovation for supply chain resilience
• Packaging innovations: Shaping the future of food and beverage

Agenda Day 1

The forum will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for these groups, contributing to the advancement of Africa’s food systems through compliance and innovation.

09:00 - 10:00

Session one: Keynote 

Affordable nutrition: Creating accessible, nutritious products for all

10:30 - 11:30

Session two

Game Meat: An additional protein to South Africa’s dinner plate

11:30 - 12:30

Session three

Market access opportunities focusing on agriculture and agro-processing for SMEs and small/emerging holder farmers - Integrating farmers and agro-processors into food systems to provide long term access and growth.

13:30 - 14:30

Session four

Food policy and regulation: Overview of current food policies in South Africa

15:00 - 16:00

Session five

Ensuring excellence in food safety and quality control

16:00 - 17:00

Session six

Analyzing proposed changes in draft regulations R3337: Implications for food and beverage labelling

Agenda Day 2

09:00 - 10:00

Session seven: Panel discussion

Elevating ESG standards in the food and beverage sector

10:30 - 11:30

Session eight

Greywater reuse in agriculture: Enhancing water security and food production in rural settings

11:30 - 12:30

Session nine

South Africa's food and beverage production, supply chain challenges and export opportunities!

13:30 - 14:30

Session ten

Diving into FMCG packaging innovation, the FMCG supply chain and a Circular economy mindset.

15:00 - 16:00

Session eleven

Innovations shaping the future of food & beverage

The food and beverage industry in Africa faces numerous challenges, including food security, sustainability, nutritional access, regulatory compliance, food safety, supply chain resilience, environmental impact, consumer trends, and technological integration. These issues threaten the stability and growth of the sector, making it crucial to find innovative and effective solutions.


The Food Connect Forum, themed Improving Africa's Food Systems through Compliance and Innovation is the premier event addressing these critical challenges. The event is scheduled to take place on the 26th & 27th November 2024 at the Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa. Attendees will gain cutting-edge insights into advancements in agricultural technologies, food safety protocols, and sustainable practices. Expert-led sessions and panel discussions will provide valuable knowledge on food security, nutritional access, regulatory changes, and supply chain resilience.

The forum offers unparalleled networking opportunities with key stakeholders from government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations, fostering partnerships and collaborations. Additionally, participants will stay informed on the latest food policies and regulations, ensuring compliance and competitiveness, and learn how to elevate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Strategic supply chain management, advanced analytics, and warehouse management systems will also be explored to optimize operations.

The Food Connect Forum is an unmissable event for anyone involved in the food and beverage industry, providing the knowledge and connections needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape and contribute to a more secure and sustainable food system for Africa. Secure your place now and be part of the transformation!
Full agenda

key speakers and industry leaders

Chief Director: Biodiversity Economy and Sustainable Use at the Department of Forestry,
Khorommbi Matibe
Chief Director: Biodiversity Economy and Sustainable Use
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Read More
ESG and Climate Change Specialist, Land Bank
Anele Jali
ESG and Climate Change Specialist
Land Bank
Read More
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography,
UNISA
Dr Makgalake Pabalelo Radingoana
Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography
University of South Africa
Read More
Head: Nutrition, Health & Wellness, Nestlé East & Southern Africa Region
Anne-Marie de Beer
Head: Nutrition, Health & Wellness
Nestlé East & Southern Africa Region
Read More
Janine Harding
Owner, BevLab Media
Janine Harding
Owner,
BevLab Media
Read More
Director, Avoport
Shandini Naidoo
Director
AVOPORT
Read More
Kate Collier WWWW-01 (low res)
Kate Collier
Partner: Employment, Health & Safety
Webber Wentzel
Read More
Senior Economist: Trade Research Unit
Markets and Economic Research Division
National Agricultural Marketing Council
Thabile Nkunjana
Senior Economist: Trade Research Unit Markets and Economic Research Division
National Agricultural Marketing Council
Read More
of Food and Business Assurance, Leader, Intertek
Thavan Naidoo
Food and Business Assurance Leader
Intertek
Read More
Dr Hema Kesa
Dr Hema Kesa
Director of the Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL),
University of Johannesburg
Read More
Andrew Papadopoulos
Andrew Papadopoulos
Chair of EXCO, Director & Trademark Attorney
KISCH IP
Read More
Reitumetse Molotsoane
Reitumetse Molotsoane
Head of Sustainability
Rhodes Food Group
Read More

Who should attend?

-Government Officials and Policymakers: Those involved in food security, agriculture, and public health policy to stay updated on regulations and innovations.

-Industry Professionals:
C-suite executives, Heads, GMs, managers, and staff from the food and beverage sector, including production, compliance, QA, food technology, processors, marketing, distributors, and retailers.

-Agricultural Experts:
Professionals involved in farming, food production, and sustainable agriculture practices.

-Researchers and Academics:
Individuals conducting research in food science, nutrition, agriculture, and related fields.

-Technology Providers: Companies and startups specializing in food tech, biotechnology, and innovations in food processing and packaging.

-Regulators and Compliance Officers:
Professionals responsible for ensuring adherence to food safety regulations and standards.

-Consumer Advocates:
Representatives from organizations focused on consumer rights, nutrition, and public health.

-Investors and Financial Institutions:
Investors interested in funding food and agriculture innovations and projects.

-Supply Chain and Logistics Professionals:
Experts involved in managing the flow of goods and services within the food industry.

-NGOs and Nonprofits:
Organizations working on food security, nutrition, and sustainable development projects.

-Media and Analysts:
Journalists and industry analysts covering food trends, policy changes, and innovations.

Get Your Tickets

Early bird

ZAR 5 500 /
$
 330

  • Book before 11th October 2024 to qualify for this rate.
Download

group rate

ZAR 5 000 /
$
 300

  • Register 3 or more delegates to qualify for this rate.
Download

normal rate

ZAR 5 900 /
$
 350

  • Register 1 delegate to qualify for this rate.
Download

Delegate reviews