AGP Executive Report

Wine: KWV took top honours at South Africa’s 36th Veritas Awards, winning 12 Double Gold medals and the Duimpie Bayly Vertex Trophy for its Laborie Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs 2020. Packaging: Sidel will present new bottle-blowing, aseptic production and automation technologies at Gulfood Manufacturing in Dubai, with a focus on efficiency and packaging performance for regional producers. Egyptian Cuisine: Nile Seray, an A&K Sanctuary riverboat launching in November, will build its dining programme around Egyptian ingredients and culinary heritage on Luxor–Aswan voyages. Ghanaian Industry: Blow Group, founded by Manoj Lakhiani, makes bottled water, soft drinks, cider and packaging in Ghana and employs about 4,000 people; its growth has also included a 2024 product recall. Dairy: Kenya’s buffalo-milk proposal has renewed debate as formal milk deliveries to processors fall. Domesticated water buffaloes were declared food animals in 2025, but imports, farming and sales still require regulatory approval.

Kenya’s New Crops: President William Ruto has launched cocoa as a scheduled cash crop, with seedlings set to go to farmers in suitable regions. The move could create new opportunities for chocolate and beverage makers. Dairy Diversification: Ruto is also exploring water buffaloes as a milk source amid falling deliveries to processors, reopening debate over how the animals could be introduced and regulated. Food Safety: Concerns are growing in Nigeria over adulterated everyday products, from cooking oil to produce, prompting calls for stronger market surveillance. Sugar Tax: South African sugar growers are urging the government to scrap the levy, warning of risks to farmers and jobs. Cocoa-Waste Innovation: A Kumasi startup is turning cacao pulp into premium drinks, seeking to cut food waste while creating value beyond the bean.

Kenya Cocoa: President William Ruto has launched cocoa as a scheduled cash crop, with seedlings planned for farmers in suitable regions. The government sees potential to grow local supplies for chocolate, beverage mixes and other products. Nigeria Promotions: KFC and Pepsi have launched an October rewards campaign at selected Nigerian outlets, offering prizes to customers who buy a meal with a drink as brands compete for spending. Tanzania Coffee: Ruvuma’s coffee sector is drawing attention to the value chain’s potential, from processing and packaging to exports, investment and improved market access for farmers. South Africa Sugar: Canegrowers are urging the government to scrap the sugar tax, warning it threatens jobs and farmer livelihoods.

Kenya’s Cocoa Push: President William Ruto has launched cocoa as a cash crop in selected regions, with government-backed seedlings and research support aimed at bringing more farmers into production. Food Trade: Abu Dhabi’s Global Food Week closed with 97 agreements worth $1.88 billion, while Africa Food Show Morocco is bringing food, hospitality and trade buyers to Casablanca. Food Safety: Nigeria’s NAFDAC and Immigration Service are seeking closer cooperation with the Army to strengthen intelligence-sharing and enforcement of public health rules. Sugar Industry: South African canegrowers are pressing the government to scrap the sugar tax, warning it threatens farmers and jobs. New Products: A Ghanaian startup is turning cacao pulp, often discarded during cocoa processing, into premium drinks.

Seafood Trade: South African suppliers are helping meet demand from China’s expanding desert fish-farming sector, while Namibia’s August exports included fish among its top five products. Food Policy: South African sugar growers renewed calls to scrap the sugar tax, warning it threatens farmers and jobs; separately, delays to front-of-pack food warnings are drawing scrutiny over industry influence. Production & Packaging: Food packaging firms under pressure are turning to technology, a focus at Propak Cape 2026. African Ingredients: A Ghanaian startup is turning cacao pulp, often discarded as waste, into premium drinks. Export Opportunity: The World Bank has identified a US$167 million investment opportunity in Kenya’s avocado and mango sectors.

AFCON Food Service: Ugandan hotel and restaurant operators are preparing local dishes for tournament visitors, with plans to focus on food safety, presentation and training. South Africa’s Sugar Debate: Canegrowers is urging the government to scrap the sugar tax, arguing it threatens farmers and jobs as budget discussions approach. Food Labelling: South Africa’s front-of-pack warning rules face further delays, with questions over who is holding up implementation. Waste-to-Value: A Kumasi startup is turning cacao pulp, often discarded during cocoa processing, into premium drinks. Kenya’s Horticulture: A World Bank-identified US$167 million investment opportunity in avocado and mango production could support growth in the country’s fruit sector.

Packaging & Processing: Propak Cape returns on 27–29 October with more than 200 exhibitors, showcasing automation, food-processing equipment and recyclable packaging as manufacturers seek efficiency and cost savings. Sugar Tax Debate: SA Canegrowers is urging the finance minister to scrap South Africa’s sugar levy, citing lost sales, jobs and mill closures; the union says the industry is also facing an 18% drop in cane deliveries this season. Industry Pressures: South African factory output fell 4.3% year on year in August, with food and beverage production among the declining divisions. Merger Scrutiny: Premier Group is challenging a bid to overturn approval of its nearly R6bn RFG acquisition, after regulators raised concerns about a proposed fruit-canning plant closure and its effects on capacity, jobs and farmers. Food Safety: Nigeria’s fatal outbreak linked to methanol-contaminated local drinks underscores the risks of unregulated beverages and the need for stronger enforcement.

Sugar Industry: South African Canegrowers is urging Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to scrap the sugar tax, warning that falling cane deliveries and imported sugar are squeezing local growers and mills. Food Delivery: The University of Lagos has approved Swoop and one other platform for a three-month pilot requiring registered, identifiable riders, aiming to improve campus safety while keeping meals accessible. Youth & Beverages: Nestlé’s new NBA partnership will support youth basketball programmes in Ghana and 20 other markets, with MILO, Nescau and Nesquik named official partners from 2027. Cashew Trade: Tanzania’s Korosho Marathon expects more than 3,500 participants in Mtwara on November 28, alongside a business exhibition bringing cashew-sector traders together. Market Development: Algeria will host a “Made in Algeria” food exhibition in Blida from October 17–20 to showcase local producers and build export connections. Food Safety: Nigeria’s NAFDAC has seized banned alcoholic drinks worth ₦300 million in Lagos market raids, amid wider concerns about counterfeit food and beverages.

Industry Moves: Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa has regained Level 1 B-BBEE status, while a Ghanaian startup is turning cacao-pulp waste into premium drinks. Trade and Investment: The World Bank has identified a US$167 million investment opportunity in Kenya’s avocado and mango sectors. Africa Food Show Morocco has opened in Casablanca, bringing international food, hospitality and trade buyers together. Regulation: Nigeria’s NAFDAC seized banned alcoholic drinks worth N300 million in Lagos markets. In South Africa, food-warning labels remain stalled after years of debate, while a new report says industry voices dominated sugary-drinks tax discussions. Food Costs: Nigerian shoppers face uneven prices: Lagos egusi prices rose 29.73% in September, even as prices for some other staples declined.

Food Safety: Nigerian actors Ngozi Ezeonu and Ruth Kadiri are urging NAFDAC to step up checks after raising concerns about counterfeit medicines and baby foods in circulation. Food Policy: South Africa’s long-delayed food warning labels are back in focus, with a new report questioning what is holding them up. Food Innovation: A Kumasi startup is turning cacao pulp, often discarded in chocolate production, into premium drinks to help tackle food waste. Food Retail: Cape Town student Dylan Steiner has launched Bites, an app listing prices at up to 400 restaurants to help diners find more affordable meals. Local Production: Johannesburg-area lettuce grower HarvestFresh is expanding hydroponic production, citing better yields, shorter growing cycles and lower disease pressure than open-field farming.

Cacao Value-Add: Dutch startup Kumasi turns discarded cacao pulp into premium drinks, creating extra income for West African farmers beyond bean sales. Food Retail Access: NSA Souda Bay in Ghana has opened a fully automated NEX Micro Market to supply meals and beverages round-the-clock for night-shift personnel. UAE Public Health Rules: The UAE moves to cap sodium, sugar and fat in selected packaged foods, targeting items like sweetened milk drinks, flavoured yoghurt, salty snacks and processed cheese. Nigeria Tax Pressure: NUFBTE urges Nigeria’s House to halt the CETA Bill, warning a shift to a percentage levy on soft drinks could further strain food and beverage manufacturers and jobs. South Africa Wine Law: A legal explainer clarifies what can legally be called “wine” under SA’s Liquor Products Act—starting with grapes and defined production rules. Cape Town Dining Costs: UCT student Dylan Steiner launches Bites, helping diners compare restaurant prices and find cheaper meals. Food Inflation Watch (SA): BFAP reports food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation at 1.1% y/y in August, with households still under pressure despite slower increases. Uganda Agro-Processing Push: Museveni calls for shifting from raw material exports to agro-processing and manufacturing as Uganda targets a $500bn economy by 2040. Food Security Trade Focus (UAE): UAE trade minister highlights resilient, interconnected food systems and growing food trade networks at a global summit in Abu Dhabi. Animal Health Risk: Reports of African swine fever outbreaks in Laos and Vietnam raise concerns about possible cross-border pig movement affecting food safety.

Agro-Industrial Push in Uganda: President Museveni urged Uganda to stop exporting raw materials and scale agro-processing and manufacturing as it targets a $500bn economy by 2040, naming priorities like fruit processing, animal feeds, cassava/banana flour, ethanol, and pharma. Food Security & Trade Strategy (UAE): UAE’s Thani Al Zeyoudi told the Global Food Security Summit that resilient food systems depend on interconnected supply chains linking farms, ports and consumers, citing $41.8bn in 2025 food trade. Nutrition Focus (Nigeria): A medical expert urged Nigerians to build balanced diets with vegetables, fruits, beans, fish and whole grains, while cutting salt, added sugars and ultra-processed foods. Healthy Eating Messaging: Another report highlights healthy-eating habits as “food as medicine,” stressing water over sugary drinks. South Africa Hospitality Growth: Pantry by Marble opened in Fourways, combining grocery shopping with chef-led meals; early sales topped 1,000 burgers and 1,200 pizzas. Courtroom Update (South Africa): Durban High Court separated part of the AKA/Tibz murder trial, splitting charges tied to a separate May 2022 incident. Food Policy Debate (South Africa): A study on Nedlac’s role in South Africa’s sugar-sweetened beverage levy raises questions about who had a seat at the table. Packaging & Sustainability Watch: Glen Industries reported H1 FY27 revenue growth and expansion in eco-conscious food packaging, while market reports point to continued momentum in paper packaging and organic food.

Waste & Recycling Pressure in South Africa: South Africa’s landfill capacity is nearing a critical point, with DFFE warning some cities could run out within six years unless waste diversion accelerates; industry groups point to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a key lever to boost prevention, reuse, recycling and proper landfill management. Fuel Costs Hit Households: South African motorists face a fresh cost shock as 93-grade petrol rises above R30/l for the first time, with 95-grade also climbing sharply—raising fears of renewed inflation pressure. Nigeria Alcohol Crackdown: NAFDAC raided Lagos markets and seized about ₦300m of banned sachet and under-200ml PET alcoholic drinks, warning traders to stop stocking or selling the prohibited products. Food Industry & Trade Signals (Nigeria): MAN says Nigeria’s AfCFTA gains depend on manufacturers competing on cost, quality, standards and delivery, while highlighting energy, FX access, inflation, funding and insecurity as major constraints. Community Food Support: South Africa’s Cupcakes of Hope raised over R2.1m across 87 malls to support children with cancer, with thousands of volunteer bakers contributing. SME Push in Ghana: MTN SMEGA urged Ghanaian SMEs to embrace innovation and digital transformation to build resilience and compete.

Regulatory Crackdown (Nigeria): NAFDAC raided Lagos markets and seized about ₦300m worth of banned sachet and under-200ml PET alcoholic drinks, shutting outlets and arresting operators, with enforcement promised to continue. Corporate Sustainability (Nigeria): Rite Foods donated 600 protective coveralls and waste-management tools to Ogun State Waste Management Authority workers as part of World Cleanup Day efforts, backing “clean plates to clean cities” and circular-economy goals. Energy for Industry (East Africa): Businesses added 72,800kW of solar for self-use in the year to June 2026, lifting captive power to 676.6MW; firms including Unilever Tea Kenya and Devyani Food Industries are among those shifting to solar. Food Safety Alarm (Nigeria): Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri urged stronger NAFDAC action against counterfeit and contaminated food, drinks, medicines and household goods, warning of serious health risks. Community Fundraising (South Africa): Cupcakes of Hope’s National Cupcake Day raised R2.106m at 87 malls nationwide, supporting 140+ children monthly with cancer-related medical and transport needs. Trial Watch (South Africa): The AKA and Tibz murder trial finally began in Durban High Court with seven accused facing life-sentence charges.

Court Watch (South Africa): The long-awaited trial over the 2023 murders of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane is set to start at Durban High Court, with seven men facing charges including conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, and firearms offences. Food Safety (Nigeria): Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri renewed calls for NAFDAC to clamp down on fake and contaminated products, warning the risk spans food, drinks, medicines and household goods. Health Financing (Nigeria): Nigeria’s NHIA says health-tax reform needs coordinated action across government, lawmakers and industry to curb non-communicable diseases, including taxes targeting sugar-sweetened beverages, tobacco and alcohol. Household Costs (South Africa): South Africa’s food basket dipped slightly in August but remains costly, with inflation pressures still hitting key items like cereals, dairy, eggs, fruit and cold beverages. Market Enforcement (Nigeria): NAFDAC seized about ₦300m of banned sachet alcohol and small PET drinks in Lagos, warning the prohibition remains in force. Industry Sourcing (Nigeria): Manufacturers Association of Nigeria data shows local raw-material sourcing rose from 51.5% (2021) to 57.1% (2024) as FX pressures pushed import substitution. Sustainability (Nigeria): Rite Foods donated PPE and tools to Ogun waste management officials ahead of World Cleanup Day, backing its zero-waste-to-landfill push. Energy Pressure (South Africa): Fuel price increases are expected again as South Africa faces higher global oil-linked costs, adding strain to already tight household budgets.

Youth & Skills: SOS Children’s Villages Ghana, with DHL’s GoTeach, ran a five-day employability boot camp in Tema, placing 66 young people through career fair and workplace visits to better match classroom learning with employer expectations. Food Supply Shock: Kenya’s Bomet is facing a milk shortage as dairy feed costs and dry weather cut farmer output; vendors report deliveries falling from over 1,000 litres/day to under 200, pushing prices up. Counterfeit Crackdown: Nigeria’s NAFDAC says counterfeit food, drugs and other goods remain a major public-health threat, citing large seizures, destruction of contraband worth over N1.5tn and convictions, while critics call for stronger, more consistent enforcement. Packaging & Waste: A Nigeria investigation examines Nestlé’s plastic neutrality claims in Lagos, including factory recycling and collection figures, and tests whether recovery matches what the company sells. Procurement & Resilience: Africa’s Smart Procurement World Indaba highlighted how purchasing decisions can unlock supplier growth and jobs, with AI and resilience among the key themes.