The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) will once again bring together the fresh produce and floral sectors for the highly anticipated Southern Africa Conference 2025. Scheduled for 23–24 July at Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria, this flagship event is set to be a dynamic blend of learning, networking, and collaboration.
A Hub for Industry Professionals
Attracting growers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, market agents, and other key players from the fresh produce value chain, the Southern Africa Conference serves as one of the largest industry gatherings in the region. It’s where business meets community—a space for reconnecting with familiar faces, making new connections, and exploring new market opportunities.
Delegates can look forward to candid discussions, world-class presentations, and insightful takeaways designed to help navigate the ever-evolving global produce landscape.
Two Days of Purpose and Impact
The event opens on Wednesday, 23 July, with a Welcome Reception. This informal gathering sets the tone for the conference, encouraging early networking and creating a sense of camaraderie among attendees. There are no other scheduled sessions on 23 July; the main conference programme takes place entirely on 24 July.
The main conference programme unfolds on Thursday, 24 July, beginning with a Welcome & Networking Breakfast. From there, the day is structured around carefully curated educational sessions that offer a global perspective and regional relevance.
The morning kicks off with an in-depth session on trends in North America and Asia, led by Prof. Patrick Vizzone, Co-Founder and CFO of Vertical Oceans, Executive Director at DiMuto, and 2025 Chair-Elect of the IFPA Board of Directors. He will explore how evolving consumer demands in these regions present opportunities for South African exporters.
Following that, Shubha Rawal, Head of Sourcing at IG International and a member of the IFPA Board of Directors, will offer an insider’s view into the procurement practices and buyer expectations across Asian and North American markets, equipping local producers with the tools to better engage with international partners.
Exploring Challenges and Innovations
A moderated panel discussion will revisit the morning’s key topics, inviting speakers back to the stage to answer questions and participate in an interactive dialogue with the audience. Live polling and feedback tools will further enhance audience participation and engagement.
The afternoon sessions pivot to some of the industry’s most pressing issues. Steve Alaerts, Partner & Director at Foodcareplus Logistics NV, and Werner van Rooyen, COO of Fresh Produce Exporters Forum, will examine the current export challenges facing Southern Africa, including regulatory constraints and shifting shipping conditions, while highlighting new possibilities in the European market.
Later, innovation takes the spotlight. Dr. Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer at IFPA, will guide attendees through the latest advancements in fresh produce technology—from automation and packaging improvements to sustainability-driven innovations aimed at making food systems safer and more efficient.
Wrap-Up with a Personal Touch
The conference concludes with a Networking Happy Hour, giving attendees a relaxed space to consolidate new relationships and reflect on key learnings from the day. With so much insight packed into a single day, the Southern Africa Conference 2025 is poised to be an unmissable event for anyone invested in the future of fresh produce in the region.