FI Africa & ProPak MENA 2024 Exhibition Overview

The FI Africa & ProPak MENA 2024 Exhibition Overview marks a significant milestone in the regional industrial calendar. Held from May 26th to 28th at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in Cairo, this edition operated under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministries of Trade and Industry, Supply, and Environment.

The event integrated two critical pillars of the manufacturing value chain: Fi Africa (Food Ingredients) and ProPak MENA (Processing and Packaging). This co-location provided a comprehensive, “one-stop” platform for over 12,000 industry professionals to source the latest innovations in ingredients, machinery, and sustainable packaging solutions.

As the Official Consulting Partner, SME Consulting played a pivotal role in aligning these global technological advancements with the strategic needs of local and international investors.

The 2024 exhibition took place against a backdrop of rapid industrial transformation across the African continent. Understanding these insights is crucial for any investor looking to capitalize on the MENA region’s potential:

• Egypt’s Market Dominance: Egypt is currently the largest food and beverage market in Africa, with the sector contributing significantly to the national GDP. In 2024, the Egyptian food market experienced a 35% growth, with forecasts estimating a value of $125.4 billion by 2028.

• Export Ambitions: The Egyptian government has set an ambitious target to increase food sector exports by $10 billion annually, focusing on penetrating deeper into African and Asian markets through free-trade agreements.

• Industrial Localization: A core theme of 2024 was the transition from importing raw materials to localizing production. Egypt now hosts over 17,000 companies in the food manufacturing sector, creating a massive demand for “first-level” ingredients and processing technologies.

• African Population Dynamics: With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, the demand for processed foods, dairy, and long-shelf-life packaging is becoming the primary driver for industrial investment.

• Packaging Sector Growth: The packaging industry in Egypt is valued at approximately $4.8 billion, with a specific surge in PET and plastic packaging driven by the rise in e-commerce and processed food consumption.

The 2024 edition was the largest in the event’s history, demonstrating a significant increase in international interest and technical depth:

• Exhibitor Count: Over 350 exhibiting companies showcased their latest solutions, nearly doubling the participation of previous years.

• Visitor Engagement: The expo attracted more than 12,000 professional visitors and high-level decision-makers from across the globe.

• International Footprint: Participants hailed from over 20 different countries, showcasing a truly global exchange of industrial expertise.

• Exhibition Space: The addition of a new hall expanded the total exhibition area to 45,000 square meters, accommodating larger machinery displays and technical pavilions.

The exhibition provided a holistic view of the F&B supply chain, covering a wide array of specialized sectors:

• Core Industries:

  • Food Ingredients: Flavors, spices, additives, dairy ingredients, and sweeteners.

  • Processing & Packaging: Filling machines, industrial robots, automation, and sustainable packaging materials.

  • Logistics & Storage: Cold chain solutions, warehouse management, and transport logistics.

  • Specialized Sectors: Bakery and confectionery, meat and seafood processing, and dairy technology.

• Participating Countries: Key delegations included China, India, Turkey, Italy, Germany, and the UAE, alongside regional representatives from Jordan, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition floor featured some of the most innovative names in global manufacturing:

• Tetra Pak: Showcasing the future of sustainable and eco-friendly packaging.

• Uflex Ltd: A global leader in flexible packaging and chemical solutions.

• Angel Yeast Egypt: Highlighting advancements in biotechnology and baking ingredients.

• Barry Callebaut: Presenting the latest trends in industrial chocolate and cocoa processing.

• Polifar Group: A major supplier of food and feed additives, focusing on high-purity ingredients.

• High-Tek Engineering & UniOil: Demonstrating advanced production line solutions and edible oil processing.