OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGROPROCESSING ENTREPRENEURS AT GULFOOD 2025

Growing a business is one of the most challenging endeavours, especially when you’re constantly looking for ways to expand and scale. As a business owner, you’ll often find yourself navigating numerous opportunities and challenges to push your company forward. If you’re an entrepreneur in the agroprocessing industry, there’s a golden opportunity for you on the horizon. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has just opened applications for South African companies to showcase their products at Gulfood 2025 in Dubai.

Gulfood, held from 17–21 February 2025, is the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in the Middle East, offering access to a market with immense growth potential. In 2023, the food and beverage market in the Middle East was valued at a staggering $2.45 trillion, with forecasts showing it could soar to $5.8 trillion by 2032. These numbers highlight the region’s strong demand for agroprocessed goods as its population continues to grow.

Having spent years working with entrepreneurs across various sectors, I know just how important it is to seize opportunities like this. Not only does an event like Gulfood provide global exposure, but it also opens doors for partnerships and exports into the Middle East, a region increasingly reliant on food imports due to its growing population.

South Africa’s participation at the food pavilion offers agroprocessing companies a fantastic platform to introduce their products and services to an international audience. From nuts and dried fruits to oils, grains, and packaged goods, South African businesses have a chance to tap into this thriving market, excluding beverages and meat.

As part of their commitment to boosting South African exports, the dtic is offering financial support to qualifying businesses. This includes assistance for air travel, a daily subsistence allowance, exhibition space and booth rental, and freight forwarding for display material. The support is particularly aimed at small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and Black-owned businesses, making it accessible to entrepreneurs looking to grow their footprint globally.

If you’re considering applying, here’s some essential information: the application forms can be found on the dtic website, and the deadline for submission is 24 October 2024. It’s important to note that all applicants must submit a valid B-BBEE certificate or a sworn affidavit if their turnover is less than R10 million. This opportunity isn’t just about making sales—it’s about expanding your business network, understanding market trends, and exploring new markets.

I’ve often advised entrepreneurs in agroprocessing to align their strategies with global trends, and this is one of those moments where the right exposure could make all the difference. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, I encourage you to apply.

Tips for Entrepreneurs Looking for Funding

Securing funding for your business can be daunting, but here are a few tips to guide you:

  1. Prepare a solid business plan – Funders want to see that you have a clear roadmap for your business, including financial projections and a strategy for growth.
  2. Leverage government programmes – As we’ve seen with the dtic’s support for Gulfood, there are numerous government initiatives designed to help businesses grow, so always explore available resources.
  3. Build relationships with funders – Networking is key. Engage with potential funders early and keep them updated on your progress.
  4. Have a robust B-BBEE status – This is critical in South Africa. Make sure your B-BBEE certification is in order as it can open doors to many funding opportunities.

By taking advantage of opportunities like Gulfood and following these steps, you can put your business in a strong position to grow and succeed.

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