Africa: Open for Business

Vitafoods Africa 2014 brought in dietary supplement and nutritional food industry players for three full days of insightful presentations and workshops, introducing valuable information for launching into the growing market.

Bruce Dennison, president of the Health Products Association of South Africa (HPASA) and former vice-chair of the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA), helped give an overview of this year’s event by introducing the vast market opportunities in Africa and throughout the world.

“Africa has a wealth of raw materials in the herbal field that need to be researched for safety and efficacy," Dennison said. “Other opportunities for Africa include contract manufacturing for foreign companies wishing to enter the market in Southern Africa, and joint ventures for overseas companies."

Other important topics covered at the conference included innovative product development, GMPs (good manufacturing practices), conformity assessments and marketing. Speakers such as Ansa Viskari, product developer, Hankintatukku Oy; and Amit Raga, senior manager, food and health, South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS), helped attendees better understand opportunities available in South Africa. As the conference grows and develops in years to come, it will continue to serve as a valuable entry point for industry players looking to connect within the region that is “open for business."

Download INSIDER’s full report on Vitafoods Africa 2014 to learn more about the region’s extensive opportunities.