Food Africa and pacprocess MEA 2024 are set to host around 900 exhibitors, providing a key platform for the food, beverage, food packaging, and printing machine sectors in the MEA region. The event, scheduled from 3 to 5 December in Cairo, is aimed at offering companies a chance to gain a competitive edge and solidify their presence in this dynamic market.
Food Africa, now in its ninth year, continues to be a leading trade fair for the region’s food industry. Alongside it, pacprocess MEA offers significant opportunities in processing, packaging, and printing. The 2023 edition saw a record turnout with 27,500 visitors and a show floor spanning approximately 40,000 square meters. This year, the event is set to expand further, focusing on increasing international participation among exhibitors and visitors. Key highlights include a hosted buyers program targeting high-caliber contacts and an accompanying program addressing industry challenges and future trends, such as sustainability.
International trade for food and packaging machines
Egypt is a hub for trade and commerce which is of central importance for the Middle East and Africa, and with more than 110 million inhabitants and potential consumers, the country is the most populous state in the Arab world. In 2023, Egypt’s foreign trade in food and packaging machines was particularly active with Italy, China, Germany, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Italy led with a trade volume of 74 million euros, followed by Germany in the components sector. The demand extends beyond the food market to include packaging and machinery for various sectors, such as cleaning, filling, capping, and processing products like dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables, and beverages. Food Africa and pacprocess MEA will showcase this diverse range of equipment.
Sustainability and technologies
Visitors can expect a large amount of high-caliber input surrounding this topic in the accompanying program. In addition, pacprocess MEA will present cutting-edge technologies and progressive solutions in the areas of packaging and processing which aim to minimize the impact on the environment while increasing efficiency.
Benefits for exhibitors
Exporters at Food Africa and pacprocess MEA can expect focused networking with local, regional and international industry representatives, supported for example by a hosted buyers program which for years has been a fixture at both trade fairs. Both events profit from support by local businesses, public authorities, associations and Egyptian governmental organizations. This also applies to the German Federal ministries which support exhibitors as part of the German Federal presentation, offering the opportunity to present themselves at the German pavilion. Along with their presentation at the trade fair, exhibitors at pacprocess MEA also have the opportunity to enter the Save Food Design and Sustainability Design Awards.