The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) will host The Southern Africa Conference on 5 and 6 August in Cape Town. 

This year’s programme features topics that Southern African industry members say are top of mind for them, their companies, and their business partners.  They look forward to hearing from expert speakers and participating in networking and dialogue with each other, sharing their thoughts about the future of the industry and how IFPA can champion them. 

Here are just some of the sessions on the 2024 programme: 

• Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast: How Personal Branding Can Transform You, led by guest expert, Licia Dewing, Career Strategist and Creator, Career Strategist Company, who will discuss why a strong personal brand is essential for professional growth, inspire attendees to be more visible, and provide tools to plant seeds of influence and see their online brand flourish.
• State of the Industry Southern Africa, presented byIFPA’s Chief Membership Officer, Miriam Wolk, who will share the latest global information, research, and what it means to IFPA members in Southern Africa.
• Political Landscape Post-Election, for which Dr Frans Cronje, Independent political and economic advisor, willoffer a comprehensive overview of the geopolitical terrain, delving into key trends, challenges, and opportunities following the recent election in South Africa.
• Unpacking Private Sector Participation in Ports: Enhancing Export Efficiency and Competitiveness, featuring Michelle Phillips, CEO, Transnet SOC Ltd, who will share insights into the ramifications of port privatisation and its profound effects on export activities.
• Technology Trends in Fresh Produce, presented by Jean Claude Gelle, Partner at McKinsey and Company, and focusing on recent trends in AgTech, including the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformational impact on companies across the global supply chain. 
• Navigating Market Dynamics, a panel discussion, moderated by IFPA’s Chief Membership Officer, Miriam Wolk, and featuring international importers, including Shubha Rawal, Head of Sourcing, IG International, domestic retailers/buyers, and producers, who will share what producers in Southern Africa need to know to successfully get their products to markets, internationally and domestically.
• Engage and Share, a session dedicated to members participate in discussions and share their insights about the programme topics and how IFPA can support you throughout the year.

“We have a lot of intriguing topics and guest speakers packed into what has shaped up to be a very robust and engaging programme,” said Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO, RSA Group and Chair of IFPA’s Southern Africa Country Council. “I applaud IFPA for designing a programme that brings global issues of relevance to South African members and also for creating space and time to hear from us about what is of greatest importance and urgency to members.”

As we seek to serve our entire industry, IFPA welcomes members of allied associations and non-members to participate in this year’s Southern Africa Conference. 

“We embrace the opportunity to welcome industry members from across the supply chain and engaging 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.  “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 in our key export markets will impact our industry and member businesses.” 

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) 

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence.

ENQUIRIES

PROGRAMME AND SPONSORSHIP QUESTIONS

Jane Strijdom

Country Manager for IFPA SA

Mobile: +27 72 619 6611

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REGISTRATION AND TRADE SHOW QUESTIONS

Scatterlings Conference and Events

Charné Millet-Clay

Mobile: +27 82 892 2334

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Jennifer Booth

Mobile: +27 82 817 9184

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