Connect one on one with global Food and Beverage (F&B) industry leaders, witness top chefs battle it out in the Game of Chefs, attend the Africa Food Summit and see dough done like never before in the Global Pizza Challenge, all whilst discovering new trends and technologies shared by exhibitors from around the world.
There is something appetising for everyone at the Africa Food Show, taking place from 10-12 June 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), in Cape Town, South Africa.
Here are 10 treats to look out for at the premium F&B event, presented by dmg events and KAOUN and part of the renowned Gulfood series of events.
1. Taste the world with over 350 exhibitors
Over 350 exhibitors representing a whopping 29 countries will be displaying innovative F&B products and solutions, covering everything from baking to catering, retail-ready food, new technologies and more. You can expect leading local brands, including the likes of Catercorp, Fair Cape, Unilever, Karan Beef, Beef Master, Spice Mecca, IFF, Doehler, Atlantis Foods, Econofoods, Rhodes Food Group, Ina Paarman’s Kitchen, Petit Forestier and Fairview. And don’t miss the international flavours from as far afield as Jordan, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Singapore and Canada – to name but a few.
2. Satisfy your thirst for knowledge at South Africa’s first Africa Food Summit
Running concurrently with the Africa Food Show, the two-day Africa Food Summit offers a chance to forecast the future of F&B on the continent. With a host of expert speakers from both the business and NGO sectors and a focus on “transforming healthy foods for climate and health”, the conference is bound to be a big hit.
3. Find your (business) partner at curated B2B matchmaking sessions
Swipe right on this exciting feature of the Africa Food Show – it’s the chance to make connections with leaders from across the F&B sector, both local and global. This bespoke networking service is available to trade and industry professionals, with a range of executive decision-makers expected to attend, so bring your business cards!
4. Take a bite of the Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa
The Africa Food Show is strategically co-located with another large-scale, premier event – the Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa. With 150 exhibitors on the line-up and 4,000 visitors expected to attend, there will be lots to explore in the realm of hospitality. Keep up with the latest trends in accommodation, catering and dining out and find opportunities to connect with business owners.
5. Discover groundbreaking products and solutions
Feast your eyes on an array of next-level F&B items and ideas, covering everything from Gen Z’s snacking habits to AI in the value chain, budding biotech food trends, alternative proteins, gut-health boosting bites, rising township brands and the latest global flavours.
6. The heat is on: get ready to win or dine at Game of Chefs
Stand back and watch a high-intensity cook-off, as South Africa’s hottest chefs and emerging talent battle it out for fame, glory and sizeable cash rewards. Supported by the South African Chefs Association and Econofoods, who have also put their names behind the Global Pizza Challenge and National Burger Challenge, the Game of Chefs is an opportunity to see mind-boggling culinary skills, live and up close. You’ll witness an entire three-course set menu come to life in just 2.5 hours. What will they make? And what will the judges say?
7. Don’t miss the National Burger Challenge
Another cooking contest you can’t miss, the National Burger Challenge does what it says on the tin: brings chefs of all skills and backgrounds together to find the best hamburger in the land. With all-original recipes and hot competition, this event will leave your mouth watering. Celebrity chefs will judge the burgers on taste and presentation, awarding a cash prize to the winner.
8. Battle for the Best Slice
This is no ordinary pizza cook-up – you’re looking at Africa’s biggest pizza competition. Independent pizza-makers from around the country go rolling pin to rolling pin, with national winners selected to compete for the global crown. The challenge has been running for 16 years and just keeps getting more delicious.
9. Get up close with The Chefs’ Collective
Tantalise your tastebuds with a brand-new feature at the Africa Food Show – one that celebrates the best of South Africa’s culinary scene. Watch some of the country’s most renowned chefs in action, as they take to the demo stage to share their skills, stories and – of course – signature dishes. From lekker local restaurants to icons of the industry, it’s a window into the future of food on the continent. Expect to see Terrarium’s Anlou Erasmus, Mill St. Bistro’s Phil Carmichael, the one and only Vusi Ndlovu from Edge, Jenna Short from Short & Sweet, and Arno Ralph from Callebaut, among other top names.
10. Tune into the live product displays and interactive demos
Enjoy a hands-on experience with a variety of displays and demonstrations, adding an immersive dimension to the latest innovations in F&B. From scrumptious tasting sessions to live cooking demos, there is always something happening. One highlight on the calendar is the local launch of Cristiano Ronaldo’s new brand of bottled water, Ursu, supported by importer Namlow. With an alkaline pH of 9, the mineral water is making waves around the world.
Dishing out the details:
The Africa Food Show is free to attend for professionals in the food and beverage industry. For more information, visit www.theafricafoodshow.com or contact tarynvanzanten@dmgevents.com
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