Africa’s food and beverage scene is cooking up something big. With the continent’s F&B market already valued at around $346 billion, the industry is expected to surge to about $567 billion by 2032, with long-term projections pushing the opportunity close to $1 trillion by 2030.
The growth is being driven by Africa’s fast-changing lifestyle landscape. Rapid urbanisation, a rising middle class and a young, digitally connected generation of consumers are reshaping shopping habits. Today’s African consumers want more than just food, they want healthier options, premium quality, convenience and value for money.
But Africa’s food story is not just about growth. Challenges remain. More than one in five people on the continent still face hunger, and projections suggest that by 2030 as many as 512 million people could be affected if current trends continue. This has pushed innovation in food production, packaging, logistics, and distribution to the top of the agenda.
It is against this backdrop that the Africa Food Show 2026 returns to South Africa’s Cape Town International Convention Centre from June, 202610–12. The three-day event is designed as a marketplace where businesses meet innovation across Africa’s food ecosystem.
More than 350 local and international exhibitors are expected to meet over 8,000 industry professionals from more than 60 countries. The event connects food producers, distributors, retailers, hospitality buyers and technology innovators looking to expand across African markets.
“Africa’s food sector is full of opportunity, but real growth depends on stronger partnerships across the value chain,” said Margaret Peters, Event Director at DMG events. She said the show provides a platform where suppliers and buyers can build partnerships and unlock new business opportunities.
The event, formerly known as Africa’s Big 7, was rebranded in 2025 to reflect Africa’s evolving food market. The 2025 edition attracted nearly 9 000 professionals and more than 300 exhibitors.
The 2026 edition will run alongside the Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, showing a strong link between hospitality growth and food supply demand. Africa’s hotel development pipeline now stands at 577 hotels and resorts, representing over 104 000 rooms, highlighting growing demand for food service products, beverages and supply chain solutions.
Sponsors including Synercore, Cape Food Ingredients and Crown Food Group have backed the event as part of efforts to strengthen Africa’s food production and distribution networks.
“As a platform, this is where real commercial partnerships are built,” said Alex Zabbia from Synercore. “From product development to distribution deals, the show helps strengthen Africa’s food business ecosystem.”
The 2026 programme will also feature culinary competitions including the Africa Culinary Cup, Game of Chefs, National Pizza Challenge and National Burger Challenge, alongside workshops focusing on sustainability, food safety and industry growth.
Registration opens on March 18, 2026, for industry professionals looking to explore Africa’s growing food and beverage market.
–ChannelAfrica–
