Two leading Sri Lankan food product companies participated in the South African multi-sector trade-show (SAITEX), held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa from 19 – 21 June 2022. SAITEX has, over the past 27 years, brought local and international importers and exporters to take advantage of inbound and outbound trade opportunities within the African Region and facilitates international and local trade relationships, whilst providing a platform for the private sector to demonstrate the innovations, solutions and services they have to offer Africa.This year, 150+ exhibitors from 25 countries participated at SAITX attended by 4900 attendees representing importers, wholesalers, retailers, product manufacturers, distributors, agents, government bodies, and entrepreneurs.The Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa facilitated the participation of the Sri Lankan companies at SAITEX.
Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) promoted a wide range of confectioneries including biscuits and crackers, chocolates, coconut products, soy products, organic fruits and spices, nutri foods and cereals. These included CBL name brands Munchee, Ritzbury, Revello, Sera, Samaposha, and Lankasoy. CBL currently exports their products to 60 countries including South Africa, Ghana and Angola. CBL is now exploring expanding to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique in East Africa.
Silk Foods Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd exhibited their state-of-the-art vegan products, sustainable products from natural Nutraceuticals, spices, tea, and coconut related products. Novel products that attracted many visitors were Ceylon Tea Kombucha (adrink made using tea and yeast with added coconut sugar), vegan burger patty, dairy free yoghurt, plant based cheese, and oat & rice milk. The vegan food market is fairly niche in South Africa, but it has a wide prospect in next 10 -15 years acquiring a considerable share of the market.
At a reception for officials of these companies hosted by the High Commissioner, Prof. Gamini Gunawardane, both companies reported success at the trade show, particularly CBL which reported trade inquiries and offers from six African countries and one Latin American country. The High Commissioner expressed appreciation of the country for the entrepreneurship of the two companies and their efforts, at their cost, to expand exports and earn much needed foreign exchange for Sri Lanka.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Pretoria
