Latest news with #FiAfrica
Zawya
18 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nearly $60mln in business deals signed in three days at Fi Africa and ProPak MENA 2025 amid exceptional success and strong attendance
Cairo – The 13th edition of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA concluded at the Egypt International Exhibition Center under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministries of Trade & Industry and Environment. The event saw the participation of leading local and international companies, drawing in more than 15,000 visitors including key decision-makers and specialists in the food manufacturing and packaging industries. Notably, international participation doubled this year, with attendees representing over 127 countries. The two exhibitions recorded an exceptional commercial success, with nearly $60 million USD in deals closed over the three-day event, according to Explori, the official survey tool for the exhibitions. This represents a 55% increase in business volume compared to the previous edition—highlighting the exhibitions' growing impact on driving economic growth in the region. Reflecting the event's African focus, 89% of deals originated from Africa, while Asia and the Middle East each accounted for 3%, and Europe and the Americas each for 2%, with 1% from other regions. This underscores the event's role as a leading African business platform with expanding global engagement. Over three days, the event brought together more than 400 exhibiting companies from Egypt, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe—including Italy, Germany, Turkey, India, China, the UAE, Malaysia, and Jordan—alongside representatives from government bodies and regional and international organizations. Leading companies such as Hi-Tek, UniOil, Kamena, and Mashreq participated, reflecting the growing confidence in the event as a key driver of innovation and strategic partnerships. This year's edition featured a range of initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of the food manufacturing and packaging sectors and enhancing exports through education and training. Activities included panel discussions on value chains and industry challenges in Africa, held in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as well as a roundtable on reducing food loss and enhancing food security, co-organized by Informa, LibanPack, UNIDO, the World Packaging Organization, and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. The exhibition also hosted specialized training programs in gelato making and baking arts, led by top French and Italian experts through partnerships with Auf and Valmar. Additionally, the annual Women in Food & Beverage Leadership Forum returned, featuring prominent female and male industry leaders to foster dialogue around leadership and empowerment in this vital sector. Notable speakers included Ms. Raluca Istrate, Sustainability Manager at EMEA Informa; Dr. Amany Shehata, VP of HR at Americana Foods; Ms. Sherine Shaban, Senior Director of People & Culture at Coca-Cola; Dr. Mona Samir, Director of the Public Awareness Department at the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA); and Ms. Amani Khalil, an athlete from Egypt's Iron Man team. Other attractions included a 'Tasting Zone', live baking and dessert demos using healthy ingredients, and a 360° live cooking experience, adding a hands-on, experiential element that enriched the overall visitor experience. Mostapha Khalil, Group Director at Informa Egypt, commented: 'This edition saw remarkable engagement—not just in terms of attendance, but also the quality of discussions and the scale of business taking shape. One highlight was the launch of our Business Matchmaking Program, which resulted in over 350 B2B meetings, opening doors for new collaborations among 200 top manufacturers, suppliers, and importers. Several commercial agreements were signed among nearly 100 exhibitors, reinforcing the exhibition's role in fostering industrial growth and regional and international partnerships.' Mohamed Abdel Hamid, Exhibition Director of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA emphasized the importance of the event's dialogue sessions, particularly those organized with UNIDO. These included more than 70 educational sessions featuring 50 international speakers. He also highlighted growing interest from decision-makers in green technologies and sustainable packaging, reflecting a broader awareness of responsible industrial transformation. The exhibition received positive feedback from government and startup representatives alike. He noted Egypt's growing reputation as a regional exhibition hub, now ranked among the top five countries globally in this sector, thanks to its robust infrastructure and exhibition spaces. Informa's strategic expansion in the Egyptian market, he added, strengthens national economic contributions and helps open new markets for Egyptian exports, aligning with Egypt's Vision 2030. This year's edition coincided with Global Exhibitions Day, marked by the presence of a high-level delegation from the Arab Union for International Exhibitions & Conferences (AUIEC), including its Secretary-General, Ahmed El-Deeb, Eng. Faiq Khayyat, Advisor to the Saudi Events Association, Mahmoud Moawafi, CEO of The International Team for Exhibitions Organization, and Dr. Mohamed Saad, Media Advisor to the Union. The celebration highlighted the vital role exhibitions play in driving economic activity, innovation, and international trade. With this, Fi Africa and ProPak MENA 2025 conclude their largest edition to date, solidifying their status as a central platform for industrial development in the region, and setting the stage for even more impactful editions in the future. The event's success reflects Informa's commitment to reinforcing Egypt's position as a regional industrial and trade hub through events that combine knowledge, innovation, and strategic networking. In line with its expansion plans in Egypt, Informa aims to organize 10 local exhibitions by 2025, along with a series of international events across food, agriculture, and industry sectors. This expansion is backed by Informa's global presence, with annual sales of £3.7 billion and exhibition business revenues exceeding £2 billion.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Fi Africa & ProPak MENA 2025 kick off in Cairo with strong international presence and government support
Cairo – Under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Environment, and with the participation of more than 400 exhibiting companies from 25 countries, the Egypt International Exhibition Center today witnessed the launch of the 13th edition of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA. The event, taking place from June 2 to 4, 2025, aims to drive a qualitative transformation in the food, beverage, and manufacturing industries in Egypt and Africa by showcasing the latest innovations in food ingredients and packaging solutions. Over the course of three days, the exhibition is expected to attract more than 16,000 visitors, including top industry professionals and decision-makers from across the globe. As a testament to strengthening international cooperation and promoting trade integration between the Arab and Latin American regions, the opening ceremony includes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Informa and the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB). This strategic partnership marks the start of broader cooperation beyond Fi Africa & ProPak MENA, aiming to strengthen market ties, boost trade, and foster cross-regional collaboration. The signing takes place in the presence of H.E. Paulino Franco de Carvalho, Ambassador of Brazil to Egypt, and Dr. Michael Gamal, Head of the Regional Office in Cairo at CCAB. The opening ceremony was attended by several high-level ambassadors, including: H.E. Mr. Sisira Senavirathne, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Egypt; H.E. Ms. Polly Ioannou, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Egypt; and Ahmed El Shafdee, Chief Representative of the Egypt-Dubai Chambers. The opening ceremony also witnessed the attendance of prominent speakers, including Eng. Ashraf El-Ghazayerli, Chairman of the Chamber of Food Industries, Eng. Nadim Elias, Chairman of CPPI, Ph.D Patrick Jean Gilabert, Unido Representative of the Regional Office Hub in Egypt and Ms. Soha Attalah, Vice President of the World Packaging organization. In addition, representatives from several embassies, including Greece, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Royal Thai, among others, were present, alongside a distinguished group of speakers and experts in the food manufacturing and packaging sectors. This year's edition—the largest to date—boasts broad regional and international participation from Egypt, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, including Italy, Germany, Turkey, India, China, the UAE, Malaysia, and Jordan. The exhibition also features prominent government entities, as well as regional and international organizations. Industry-leading companies such as Hi-Tek, UniOil, Kamena, and Mashreq further underscore the event's credibility as a powerful platform for innovation, sustainability, and knowledge exchange within the food and packaging industries. As part of the main conference program, a specialized forum is being held in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), addressing value chains and the challenges facing the sector in Africa. The conference will feature over 70 educational sessions with the participation of 50 speakers. Topics include food security, sustainability, innovation, artificial intelligence, and market trends, fostering meaningful engagement and knowledge sharing among participants. A high-level roundtable will also be held, bringing together top experts to discuss practical solutions for reducing food loss and enhancing food security in Africa. The roundtable is jointly organized by Informa, LibanPack, UNIDO, the World Packaging Organization (WPO), and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. Hands-on training sessions are also taking place on the show floor, including live gelato and bakery workshops led by Auf and Valmar, with expert chefs from France and Italy. Moreover, the annual Women in Food & Beverage Forum returns in partnership with Women of Egypt and CEO Women, featuring an inclusive dialogue on leadership in the industry with contributions from both female and male leaders. These side events aim to enrich the overall experience, promote knowledge exchange, and enhance product competitiveness in local and regional markets. The 'Tasting Zone' offers a unique 360° live cooking experience, adding an engaging, experiential layer to the event. In addition, collaborative workshops with CPPI, MEFOSA, AHDO, and EOS will offer certified training for participants. This year's edition also marks the debut of the 'Matchmaking Program,' providing over 350 curated B2B meetings between 200 executive decision-makers and 100 exhibiting companies. The program is designed to create exclusive opportunities for partnerships and investments tailored to individual business needs. In this context, Mostapha Khalil, Group Director at Informa Egypt, stated: 'The overwhelming turnout this year reflects the market's hunger, both locally and regionally, for serious platforms that support industrial growth and create real opportunities for networking and expansion. The diversity of nationalities, the richness of showcased solutions, and the exceptional engagement across all stakeholders highlight that we are not merely hosting an industrial event; we are providing a transformative platform, reshaping the food manufacturing and packaging sectors. This is evident in the strong interest in sustainable solutions and advanced technologies, showing that the exhibition has evolved beyond a traditional showcase into a springboard for strategic partnerships and deeper industrial transformation.' Mohamed Abdel Hamid, Exhibition Director of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA, added: 'What we've seen during the opening hours is an unprecedented level of interaction between exhibitors and visitors, especially among decision-makers and government representatives. Fi Africa offers a specialized platform for food ingredients, sweeteners, flavors, supplements, coffee, and tea. Meanwhile, ProPak MENA focuses on the latest in packaging technologies, printing, industrial automation, bakery, and confectionery products. Together, the two exhibitions offer a robust platform for knowledge transfer and strategic business connections. Our goal is to build on this momentum and solidify Egypt's position as a reliable regional industrial and commercial hub.' It is worth noting that the continued organization of this event in Egypt for the 13th consecutive year highlights the country's status as an advanced regional hub in food manufacturing and supply. It also underscores Informa commitment to supporting the local industry through world-class events that foster skills development, encourage innovation, and expand business opportunities across African, Arab, and global markets. This commitment is reinforced by strong partnerships with leading local and international entities, including: Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Environment, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), World Packaging Organization (WPO), Middle East and North Africa Food Safety Associates (MEFOSA), Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS), Arab Health and Development Corporation (AHDO), Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC), Chamber of Printing and Packaging Industries (CPPI), Chamber of Food Industries (CFI), Chamber of Cereals Industry, alongside the organizing company, Informa.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
13th Edition of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA set the stage for unprecedented industrial growth in Egypt and the region
Cairo – Amid the rapid growth of the food manufacturing and consumer goods sectors in Egypt and across Africa, the 13th edition of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA will occur from June 2 to 4, 2025, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. Held under the Ministries of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of Environment's patronage and supported by a host of international and regional partners, the event comes at a pivotal time when innovation is critical to boosting production and competitiveness. This is especially significant as Egypt's food market grew by 35% in 2024, with forecasts estimating it will reach USD 125.4 billion by 2028. In line with global trends toward sustainability and supply chain efficiency, the exhibition offers a strategic platform for market expansion and export development. These include collaborations with the Ministries of Trade and Industry and the Environment, as well as global organizations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the World Packaging Organization (WPO), the Middle East and North Africa Food Safety Associates (MEFOSA), the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS), the Arab Health Development Organization (AHDO), the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC), the Chamber of Printing and Packaging Industries (CPPI), the Chamber of Food Industries (CFI), and the Chamber of Cereals Industry. This year marks the largest edition in the history of both exhibitions, with over 400 exhibitors from Egypt, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe—including Italy, Germany, Turkey, India, China, the UAE, Malaysia, and Jordan—alongside more than 16,000 professional visitors and decision-makers, reinforcing Egypt's position as a leading regional hub for food manufacturing, supply, and export. Commenting on the event, Mostapha Khalil, Group Director at Informa Markets Egypt, stated: "Egypt's unique strategic location, alongside a packaging industry valued at $4.8 billion and more than 17,000 companies operating in the food manufacturing sector, positions the country as a key driver of industrial growth in the region. Through these exhibitions, we aim to stimulate investment, accelerate industrial development, and reinforce Egypt's position as a central hub within global supply chains, while also advancing the transition toward sustainable manufacturing and launching innovative initiatives with long-term regional and international impact." Meanwhile, Mohamed Abdel Hamid, Exhibition Director of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA, said: "Egypt's selection as the regional arm for two major global exhibitions highlights its role as a gateway to Africa, with the event aiming to introduce global trends to manufacturers, promote investment opportunities, support government initiatives, open new markets for Egyptian producers, and advance sustainability and food waste reduction through innovative packaging technologies.' This year's edition will serve as a marketplace for the latest FMCG products and services, supported by leading sponsors like Hi-Tek, UniOil, Kamena (platinum sponsor), and Mashreq (gold sponsor). Fi Africa will highlight food ingredients, sweeteners, flavors, supplements, coffee, and tea, while ProPak MENA focuses on packaging, printing, industrial automation, and bakery & confectionery solutions, catering to the full spectrum of the FMCG supply chain, while attracting a wide range of industry stakeholders and reinforcing the event's role as a strategic hub. The FI Africa and ProPak MENA Conference this year will be held under the theme "The African Food and Packaging Value Chain Conference," in collaboration with the UNIDO, covering the food, beverage, and packaging industries from raw materials to the shelves. The agenda includes a variety of activities aimed at supporting the growth of food and beverage manufacturing and boosting exports through education and training. It will host panel discussions on value chains and the challenges facing the sector in Africa. The event will feature a roundtable on food waste reduction and food security, organized by Informa Markets, LibanPack, UNIDO, the World Packaging Organization, and Wageningen University & Research, alongside specialized training in gelato production and baking. It will also host the Annual Gathering for Women in F&B, now expanded to include male leaders, with all activities aiming to empower industry professionals and boost product competitiveness in local and regional markets. Both Fi and ProPak are part of globally recognized event series—Fi held in 11 countries and ProPak in 6, demonstrating their global strength and trust. Egypt's selection as the regional hub supports Informa Markets' strategy to empower local industries, enhance global competitiveness, and promote sustainability, with the exhibitions aiming to drive investment, strengthen local industry, and position Egypt as a key player in global food manufacturing.
