AB7 and SAITEX will showcase thousands of product items in over 800 categories from over 35 countries, covering the broad spectrum of food and beverage industries, as well as the retail and light industrial sectors. AB7 and SAITEX take place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, near Johannesburg, from 25 to 27 July.

“This year’s FIFA World Cup had the third highest attendance of all the World Cup tournaments,” says John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organiser of both trade shows. “Almost one million foreign travellers came into the country in June for the World Cup. The country and the continent can capitalise on the positive economic impetus created by this world-famous sporting event, which is going to contribute half a percent to South Africa’s GDP this year,” adds Thomson. “And one way of capitalising on this is to participate in AB7 and SAITEX.”

South Africa is now being seen as a more viable investment and business location. In June, the SA Chamber of Commerce & Industry Business Confidence Index increased by 2.8 index points over May 2010, indicating that business and consumer confidence in the country has been boosted.

“There is no other platform on the continent that showcases so many international companies wanting to introduce their products into the African market,” states Thomson emphatically. “They want to do business; it’s now up to Africans to pick up that initiative.”

Africa’s Big Seven showcases a wide variety of products; services; systems; and technologies from the farm gate to the supermarket shelf. At AB7, there’s something for everyone. The seven-in-one trade show comprises:
• Agri-Food – manufacturers and producers expo;
• DrinkTech Africa – beverage processing and packing machinery, equipment and technology;
• FoodBiz Africa – food service and equipment;
• FoodTech Africa – production, processing and packaging;
• InterBake Africa – equipment, processes and ingredients for the baking industry;
• Pan Africa Retail Exhibition – food, beverages, merchandise and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG);
• Retail Solutions Africa – technology for retailers.

SAITEX encompasses the full spectrum of retail goods, from FMCG and retail-ready products; textiles; sports equipment; footwear; and leather products, to home ware and décor; kitchenware and appliances; white goods and cookware; indoor, outdoor and office furniture; cellular communications; electronic equipment; and home entertainment. This year SAITEX also places new emphasis on the light industrial sector.

For the full range of products available at both events, interested people can access the 'Product Previews' on the EMS website at www.exhibitionsafrica.com. This marketing breakthrough, which is unique to Africa’s Big Seven and its sister show, SAITEX (Southern African International Trade Exhibition), allows access to a list of products that will be exhibited at the shows, as well as the countries they come from.

For more information on the Expos, contact Lineke Fleischer, Exhibition Management Services.
Tel: +27 11 783 7250. Fax: +27 11 783 7269.
Email: admin@exhibitionsafrica.com.
Website: www.exhibitionsafrica.com