Macfrut 2024: SA’s agrifood sector gears up for global stage

Macfrut Exhibition: A Beacon of Opportunity and Innovation for South Africa’s Agriculture Sector

As the global fruit and vegetable supply chain converges at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy from 8 to 10 May 2024, Macfrut presents a beacon of opportunity and innovation for South Africa’s agriculture sector.

As the 41st edition approaches, Macfrut guarantees an unparalleled convergence of expertise, networking opportunities, and business prospects within the global agrifood arena.

SA’s Producers Showcasing Products

Macfrut is a vertical exhibition that represents the entire supply chain, with eight sectors involved: production and trade, machinery and plants, packaging, agricultural machinery, greenhouses and irrigation systems, nursery and seeds, biostimulants, logistics and services.

Following presentations of the 41st edition of Macfrut exhibition in Cape Town last November, South Africa, through the Western Cape Trade and Investment Promotions Agency (Wesgro), announced its participation at the exhibition.

South Africa will have a representation of about 20 companies in the production and supply chain sectors.

According to organisers, 1,400 exhibitors will represent the entire supply chain of the fruit and vegetable sector.

“With an increase of +22% of exhibitors, the exhibition area was also increased to 34,000 net square meters, a space which was sold out within three months and demonstrating a growing number of foreign exhibitors.”

With an addition of 1,500 top buyers from all over the world thanks to the decisive support of ICE – Italian Trade Agency, the growth makes Macfrut exhibition the most international agrifood event in Italy.

“This is a unique event on the international scene. The Macfrut exhibition combines business, knowledge, and networking through a dedicated B2B platform,” organisers explained.

Spotlight on Fruit and Vegetable Sector

Central to Macfrut exhibition’s agenda is the spotlight on the fruit and vegetable supply chain, a linchpin of Italy’s agri-food industry.

According to the Institute of Services for the Agricultural Food Market (ISMEA), the Italian fruit and vegetable sector generated an agricultural turnover exceeding €16 billion in 2023, with export earnings from fresh fruit and preserves amounting to €11.6 billion. The entire fruit and vegetable supply chain is valued at approximately €50 billion, underscoring its immense economic significance.

The National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC) of South Africa says the country is one of the major players in the international trade of fruits globally.

The South African fruit industry is export-oriented with fruit exports accounting for about 35% (valued over US$3.3 billion) of overall agricultural exports. Despite being ranked fourth in terms of fruit production in the Southern Hemisphere region, South Africa is the leading fruit exporter in this region; accounting for about 44% of fruit exports.

“South Africa’s leading fruit exports are mainly citrus fruit, pome fruit (apples and pears), stone fruits, and table grapes, respectively. And according to Fruit South Africa, the fruit industry exports about 60% of its fruits, while about 28% gets processed into other secondary products and 12% is consumed locally.

“This shows the importance of maintaining good relations with international trading partners for enhanced export revenue generation and industry growth,” the NAMC stressed.

Opportunities Abound for Africa

The event will nettle within its walls a pavilion dedicated to the African continent citing the continent has become increasingly strategic in the government’s international policy.

“The trade fair will host 400 exhibitors from 24 African countries, mainly growers, but also importers of agricultural technology and technical products for agriculture,” Macfrut announced noting countries like Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Namibia and Togo would be attending for the first time.

The Macfrut group noted that larger exhibitors include Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique and Mali with 37 companies would also be in attendance.

The global reach extends to South America, with exhibitors from Chile, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba, and Argentina adding further vibrancy to the event. “Many exhibitors will also come from South America,” the exhibition organisers confirmed.

Additionally, the participation of buyers from India, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Brazil, and Argentina underscores the event’s status as a global hub for agricultural exchange and collaboration.

• Lerato Matheka is the managing editor for Newsday newspaper in Lesotho. She reports on developmental issues, health, gender and children issues, environment and water affairs, labour and trade, good governance, human rights, elections, politics and democracy

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses the fruit and vegetable supply chain, which is essential for addressing hunger and promoting food security.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions the economic significance of the fruit and vegetable supply chain, highlighting its potential for job creation and economic growth.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with international trading partners for enhanced export revenue generation and industry growth, aligning with the goal of promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article mentions collaborations and partnerships across the African continent, indicating the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers.
• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
• Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
• Indicator 17.6.1: Number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and projects between countries.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: foodformzansi.co.za

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