The South African Fruit and Vegetable Canners Export Council (SAFVCEC) has announced that some of South Africa’s best canned fruits and vegetables will be showcased at the Anuga International Food and Beverage Trade Fair, in Germany, between October 4 and 8. 

The council is on a mission to grow South Africa’s canned fruit and vegetable exports by engaging with existing customers and making new connections with potential buyers around the world.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) will set up a national pavilion at the trade fair as part of its various market diversification initiatives.

The pavilion will have 30 South African agroprocessing companies showcasing their products, with a large number of international importers expected to attend. The companies form part of SAFVCEC’s membership, with products spanning pulps, purees, juice concentrates, jams, jellies, spreads, pickles, infant food, sauces and condiments.

“Anuga, as the largest trade show globally, provides the ideal opportunity for showcasing South Africa’s canned fruit and vegetable industry to the world,” the dtic states.

The canned fruit and vegetable industry in South Africa is renowned for its world-class manufacturing practices and premium-quality products, not only for how it is produced to best standards, but also for taste, texture and colour.

For SAFVCEC GM Jill Atwood-Palm, who will be attending the trade fair, Anuga serves as a platform for market information gathering, including on consumer trends, competitor activity benchmarking and supply and demand assessment.

The South African canned food industry exported R15.5-billion worth of goods across 50 product lines to more than 125 countries in 2024.

About 34% of the exports are destined for Europe, particularly the Netherlands, which is South Africa’s largest market for canned food.

Atwood-Palm says South African fruit and vegetable processors have built a sustainable and strong international business over the last 60 years.

“Our experienced exporters have proven knowledge of global markets, customers and consumers. SAFVCEC will continue to manage, promote and develop the manufacturing and export interests of the industry to ensure long-term growth and competitiveness.”