The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) will host the Southern Africa Conference 2025 on 23–24 July at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria, bringing together fresh produce professionals from across the region and global export markets.
The event aims to connect IFPA members and industry players from around the globe.
Delegates can expect a robust programme designed to inform, inspire, and spark dialogue around the issues most relevant to the region's fresh produce sector.
"This conference is not just about listening to speakers—it's about creating space for meaningful engagement between industry leaders, growers, exporters, and global buyers," said Jaco Oosthuizen, IFPA Country Council Chairman. "Our goal is to ensure that members walk away with not only knowledge, but also connections that will drive their businesses forward."
© IFPA
The Conference highlights include a Welcome Reception on the evening of 23 July and a full day Conference & Networking Sessions on 24 July, which will feature top speakers and thought leaders addressing these topics:
- State of the Industry – South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, will discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the fresh produce landscape in 2025 and beyond.
- Market Trends in North America and Asia – Presentations from Euromonitor International's research analyst, Relebohile Ramosoeu, and Professor Patrick Vizzone of Vertical Oceans and DiMuto on evolving consumer preferences and profitable positioning for South African producers.
- Insights from International Buyers – Export-focused discussions with leading buyers in
North America and Asia to help local suppliers align with global expectations. - Export Logistics & Regulatory Challenges – Steve Alaerts and Werner van Rooyen will do a deep dive into the critical shipping and regulatory hurdles facing the South African supply chain, including renewed interest in EU markets.
- Tech Innovations for Fresh Produce – Max Teplitsky, IFPA's Chief Science Officer, will speak about the latest on technology transforming how fresh produce is grown, packaged, distributed, and marketed, with a focus on sustainability and food safety.
With fresh produce professionals, retailers, exporters, and government representatives in attendance, the 2025 Southern Africa Conference promises to be the region's premier platform for collaboration and industry insight.
"IFPA seeks to serve its members and provide value 365 days a year," said IFPA Chief
Membership Officer, Miriam Wolk. "Our annual Southern Africa Conference is a unique
opportunity for us, as an international, member-driven association, to share global insights with the fresh produce industry in Southern Africa, and to listen and learn from them as to how to best serve their interests in both the domestic and export markets.
"We embrace the opportunity to welcome industry members from across the supply chain and
engage them like never before in a dialogue that will help shape our priorities for the year
ahead," said Jane Strijdom, IFPA Country Manager, Southern Africa. "Our programme is uniquely designed to do just that—there is something for everyone here, with a particular focus on producers who are eager to learn about and engage in discussion about retail export markets, transportation and logistics, and how elections here in South Africa and our key export markets will impact our industry and member businesses."
For more information:
Jane Strijdom
IFPA
Tel: +27 72 619 6611
Email: [email protected]
www.freshproduce.com/events/the-southern-africa-conference/
