More exhibitors, more space, more visitors: Food Africa and pacprocess MEA 2024 were held from 3 to 5 December in Cairo and served as the central platforms for the food, beverage, processing and packaging industries in the MEA region and Africa. More than 1,000 exhibitors from 35 countries took the opportunity to showcase their innovations.
With a total of 31,000 visitors, the interpack alliance trade fair duo set new standards and impressed both with its international composition and the high level of expertise of the participants. Matchmaking formats and a high-calibre supporting programme helped visitors to make new contacts and discover innovative solutions for the industry.
Thomas Dohse, Director of interpack, emphasises: “This year’s pacprocess MEA and Food Africa have shown how much the industry benefits from a platform that combines innovation and networking in an exciting market, and is also supported at the highest political level. We look forward to building on this success in the future. Food Africa celebrates its tenth anniversary next year. The importance of the event to the industry was evident at the opening ceremony, which was attended by H.E. Minister Sherif Farouk Minister of Supply & Internal Trade, Maj. Gen. Eng. Ehab Mohamed Amin, Chairman of the Industrial Control Authority, H.E. Minister Hassan El Khatib Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade. Their presence underlines the importance of the two exhibitions in promoting the food and packaging industry in the region.
Global participation at a top level
With more than 1,000 exhibitors from 35 countries, Food Africa and pacprocess MEA 2024 set a new attendance record. Spread across five exhibition halls, they offered a comprehensive range of innovations and solutions that could have a lasting impact on the African and MEA markets. Highlights of this year’s event included the 14 country pavilions and more than 500 hosted buyers. The B2B matchmaking programme was well received and encouraged a dynamic exchange of ideas and partnerships.
Focus on important industry topics
The concurrent conferences focused on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Key topics at the Food Africa conference included Egypt’s Vision 2030 for the food and agriculture industry, opportunities in the tomato industry and the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) and Mahaseel, while pacprocess MEA 2024 focused on sustainable packaging solutions and the circular economy. Other topics included material innovation, green transformation and SME development.
Focus on sustainability and innovation
Reducing food loss and waste was a particular focus of pacprocess MEA’s sustainability programme. Panel discussions and award ceremonies, such as the ‘Sustainability Design Award’, recognised innovative solutions. This year’s winners were MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller with the Gold Award, Theegarten-Pactec in Silver and Filling & Packaging Materials MFG. Co. (FIPCO) in bronze. The SAVE FOOD initiative also showcased other groundbreaking approaches to global food security and provided important impetus to the industry. The highlight was the award of this year’s SAVE FOOD Project Competition to Tomato Jos Farming and Processing. The jury consisted of experts from FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation), UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) and WPO (World Packaging Organisation).
The 2025 edition of the two shows is eagerly anticipated and promises to once again inspire and drive the industries forward. The next Food Africa and pacprocess MEA will take place from 9-11 December 2025.
