With only days to go, buyers, chefs, food entrepreneurs and industry leaders are urged to register for free to secure their place at the continent’s premier food and beverage sourcing event – where local buyers can source both local and global product ranges from international and domestic exhibitors.
Africa Food Show 2026 places live expo experiences at the heart of its three-day programme from 10–12 June 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The show is first and foremost a sourcing expo – the place where buyers come to discover, taste and procure products from over 350 exhibitors spanning local and international markets.
Opening address: strengthening food security & market access across Africa
The show opens with an address by Hon. Minister Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government, who will share insights on how strategic policy, innovation and inclusive market access can drive sustainable growth while strengthening food security across Africa.
“I am pleased to open the Africa Food Show 2026, a platform that brings together innovation, enterprise and practical opportunity for the food and beverage sector. Events like this are vital for strengthening market access, supporting industry growth and building a more resilient food system for the Western Cape and the wider continent,” said Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development & Tourism, Western Cape Government.
The heart of Africa Food Show: source local & global ranges under one roof
With an expected 8,000+ visitors, the show floor is where sourcing happens. Suppliers, chefs, buyers and brand teams from local and international markets meet to test products, assess packaging and negotiate directly with exhibitors, turning discovery into immediate procurement opportunities.
Across the show floor, visitors can taste product applications from more than 350 exhibitors spanning ingredients, beverages, bakery, and convenience food, sourcing both South African products and global ranges from international exhibitors. This is where local buyers connect with international suppliers bringing products from across the globe, making Africa Food Show the one-stop sourcing destination for the food and beverage sector.
“Africa Food Show is designed to give visitors real value in one place, from live culinary competitions and product showcases to practical workshops and direct access to suppliers. We are excited to welcome buyers, chefs and industry professionals to connect, learn and discover new opportunities across the food and beverage sector,” said Margaret Peters, Event Director, Africa Food Show.
Live expo experiences: What you can see, taste and source
Game of Chefs: Watch teams race through a 150-minute mystery-box challenge using ingredients from the EconoFoods pantry to create plated menus for judges and guests. In a strong display of creativity and product application, the challenge pushes chefs to think fast, work under pressure and showcase their technical skill. Each team brings its own style and approach, making the Game of Chefs a standout feature of the show.
National Burger Challenge: Experience the creativity and commercial smarts behind South Africa’s best burgers as finalists cook live, judged on execution, appearance and taste, in a practical arena for burger suppliers, restaurants and casual-dining buyers. One of the tastiest highlights of Africa Food Show 2026, this third edition of the Burger Challenge brings top culinary talent to the stage as chefs compete in a high-pressure cook-off, with finalists selected by the South African Chefs Association for original recipes that are both delicious and commercially viable.
Global Pizza Challenge (brought to you by EconofFoods): Cheer on pizza makers from across the country as they compete in live heats for the title of top pizza maker. Finalists, drawn from independent chefs, restaurant teams and passionate home cooks, will showcase original recipes and be judged by top local and international chefs, with bold flavours and strong technique on display throughout.
SA Chefs Experience: Step into premium culinary theatre presented by the South African Chefs Association, where leading chefs demonstrate techniques using partner products, then serve dishes in an intimate hosted dining experience that connects chefs, brands and buyers.
Across the show floor, visitors can taste product applications from more than 350 exhibitors spanning ingredients, beverages, bakery and convenience food, assess packaging, and negotiate directly with suppliers, turning discovery into immediate procurement opportunities.
Workshops: practical sourcing & commercial growth insights
Workshops and thought leadership sessions run alongside the live expo experiences, offering 10+ practical sessions and panels over the three days, focused on product development, sourcing strategies and commercial growth. Each session delivers takeaways that visitors can apply on the production floor or shelf.
Attendees can join the Executive Think Tank Panel session “Beyond Hydration – The Rise of Functional Beverages” (presented by Cape Food Ingredients) that will explore novel ingredients, formulation trends and commercial opportunities in health-forward beverages.
The “New Ingredients and Flavour Trends Driving Innovation” panel (presented by Nicola‑J Flavours and Fragrances) will examine ingredient provenance, sensory mapping (including AI applications) and functional attributes which are reshaping research and development and category assortments.
A cross-sector live debate titled “Rethinking Ultra‑Processed Foods (UPFs)” brings academia, leading fast-moving consumer goods specialists and health experts together to challenge assumptions about reformulation, regulation and responsible innovation. At the same time, a spotlight presentation by Dr James Maisiri will interrogate whether artificial intelligence in food systems is Africa’s next competitive advantage or a hidden systemic risk.
“Synercore is proud to support the Africa Food Show, bringing industry expertise and scale to accelerate innovation and commercialisation across Africa’s food value chains,” said Dr. Tertius Cilliers, CEO of Synercore and Platinum Sponsor of the Africa Food Show.
Industry backing & co-location benefits
Africa Food Show is supported by Synercore (Platinum Sponsor), alongside partners Cape Food Ingredients, Crown Food Group and the South African Chefs Association, reflecting strong industry backing.
Co-located with the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, the events’ offerings create valuable crossover opportunities, with a steady stream of relevant buyers and decision-makers from the broader hospitality, foodservice and retail sectors.
Register today to visit Africa Food Show 2026. For more information, visit www.theafricafoodshow.com.
