Acknowledging and celebrating African talent in the food and beverage industry is a top priority for Africa’s Big 7, the premier retail-ready food and beverage trade event in Africa.
In 2024, Africa’s Big 7 will host four dynamic features, offering the next generation of talent a platform to showcase their skills including the Game of Chefs, the Global Pizza Challenge, the National Burger Challenge, and the South African Bakers' Challenge.
Additionally, the event will address the challenges and opportunities within a sector poised to surpass US$1 trillion in value by 2030.
Africa’s Big 7 will run alongside the Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa, both taking place at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre from June 11 to 13.
“Over three days, attendees can network with professionals, thought leaders and buyers at an event designed to connect trends and insights into real-world situations,” says Margaret Peters, Event Manager: Food & Hospitality at dmg events.
“Here, companies can have authentic conversations about pressing concerns affecting the industry. One of the most relevant and pressing themes is, of course, sustainability. Conversations around food insecurity, sustainable approaches to waste, realistic steps towards net zero, and sustainable growth focus on realistic steps companies can make to transform the sector and its impact.”
The event will focus on the importance of tapping into food trends, both locally and globally, to craft transformative culinary experiences.
There will also be discussions around retail mega trends that shape customer behaviours; the future of retail in South Africa; how private labels are innovating despite disruption; the future of plant-based foods; and tapping into the township economy.
Africa’s Big 7 will also introduce the inaugural Game of Chefs, a culinary competition for up-and-coming young chefs where 12 teams showcase their culinary skills and vie for a cash prize.
Some of the thought leaders speaking at the event include: Miles Kubheka, Founder, Wakanda Food Accelerator; Arthur Ramoroka, Group Nutritionist, Tiger Brands; Sanjeev Raghubir, Head: Group Sustainability and CSI, Shoprite Checkers; Pavitray Pillay, Behaviour Change Practitioner, WWF South Africa; Ceri Coxon, Head of Customer Experience, Woolworths South Africa; and Chef Coo Pillay, F&B Director, Protea Hotel by Marriott.
A full list of speakers and the agenda can be found here.
The event is bolstered by the 2024 Advisory Board which comprises a distinguished group of individuals from leading organisations focused on ensuring the programme reflects the real-world challenges and expectations of the sector.
Those interested in participation can click here to register for the event.
