Market Trend Webinar: South Africa Overview 2021

South Africa is one of the most advanced and diverse economies on the African continent. Considered a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa markets, South Africa is an attractive export destination due to its growing market and a well-developed infrastructure. South African consumer trends are changing and creating opportunities to increase U.S. exports of convenience and ready-to-eat foods, as well as natural and organic products. Register for this webinar to learn more about exporting U.S. agricultural products to South Africa. SUSTA's in-country consultant, Africa House, along with South African importer and foodservice distributor, Bidfood, will discuss the following topics:

• General South Africa overview
• Current COVID situation
• Insights from a key food importer
• What South African importers look for from US suppliers
• Distribution channels

Featured Speakers: 

Liz Whitehouse, Managing Director, Africa House: Liz Whitehouse is an international trade development specialist with over 30 years experience in Africa related project, trade and investment consulting and research. Having lived and worked on the continent, Liz has a wealth of knowledge on African projects and trade and a unique understanding of what drives African development. Liz’s passion for the African continent coupled with her unique skills set have enabled her to run her own successful Africa-focused consultancy for the last 21 years. Established as Whitehouse & Associates, she successfully merged the company with Africa Project Access in March 2016 to form Africa House. Before establishing her own research consultancy in 1998, she worked at the South African Foreign Trade Organisation (SAFTO) for a period of 10 years prior to its closure.

Ebrahim Hasrod, Procurement Director, Bidfood South Africa: Ebrahim Hasrod has over 23 years of experience in the FMCG market. Hasrod joined Bidfood in 2004 and was later appointed to the Board in 2007 as the Procurement Director. Bidfood is a foodservice company that carries a broad range of products such as ambient, frozen, chilled, packaging and catering equipment for the hospitality industry in South Africa. Hasrod is studied and qualified as an accountant having practiced for 10 years before moving into the trading side of business. Prior to joining Bidfood, Hasrod spent six year in the cash and carry industry in South Africa with Jumbo Cash & Carry which is now part of the Walmart-owned Massmart. There he assumed the responsibilities of Group Financial Manager and the Procurement Executive for Food and then Cosmetics and Toiletries.