MPUMALANGA — The highly anticipated Mpumalanga International Food Market has officially opened its doors for trading, marking a significant milestone for the province’s agricultural sector after a delay of more than a decade.
The R2 billion facility was initially announced in November 2018 by the then Premier of the province, David Mabuza. Originally conceptualized as the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market, the name was recently updated to reflect the facility’s advanced capabilities and expanded scope.
Speaking at the opening, the Mpumalanga MEC for Agriculture explained that the scope of the market was broadened following benchmarking with other provinces.
“At first, the idea was that we will be selling only fresh produce, but seeing the state of the market, it is very advanced,” the MEC stated. “We saw that this can even accommodate other commodities… dairy products, vegetables, fresh fruits, and meat. That is why we called it the international food market.”
While the grand official launch featuring the President and the Premier is scheduled for a later date, the market is now fully accessible to the public. The MEC noted that the facility has been gradually onboarding clients, with the first client joining in June, followed by a macadamia client in August. Today’s public opening allows individuals and businesses to purchase goods both in retail and in bulk.
A primary goal of the R2 billion Mpumalanga International Food Market is to empower local farmers and food producers. Previously, producers in the province faced significant hurdles in accessing global trade networks. The new facility provides a direct, streamlined channel for them to trade internationally.
For farmers looking to supply the market, the MEC assured that the onboarding process is highly supportive. Market agencies are actively sharing information and guiding producers through the necessary steps.
“They will receive them when they come in, share with them what to do, and which steps to take,” the MEC explained, adding that suppliers simply need to register and obtain a buyer’s card to begin trading.
The MEC emphasized that sustaining the market’s operations will rely on the active participation of as many local farmers as possible, urging producers to take advantage of the newly opened trading space.
