JOHANNESBURG - South Africans will soon have more choices of Indonesian food and beverage products available at their local shops.
This after 14 Indonesian companies showcased their products at the recent Africa's Big Seven food and beverage trade show held at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.
When the three-day trade fair opened on 24 June Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa Salman Al Farisi was on hand to officially open 10 Indonesian booths.
Held in collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) of the Ministry of Commerce in Johannesburg the trade fair provided an apt opportunity to display samples of Indonesian products.
Indonesian companies that put their wares on show included PT. Kaldu Sari Nabati, PT. Riyana Cipta Pangan, Kalbe International, PT. Siantar Top, PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur, PT. Santos Jaya Abadi, PT. Sanco Indonesia, PT. Fresh on Time Seafood, PT. Two Rabbits, and PT. ABC President Indonesia, PT. Bonli Cipta Sejahtera, PT. Kiantaka Rasa, PT. Mega Indo Prima, and PT. Makmur Artha Sejahtera.
Ambassador Al Farisi said his country, Indonesia, and South Africa play an important role as the economic locomotive in their respective regions.
He advised Indonesian business actors - both big businessmen and small and medium enterprises - to use KBRI and ITPC to encourage exports abroad.
The ambassador said even though the South African government still imposes "high tariffs" on food imports from Indonesia, it was expected that Indonesian entrepreneurs will continue to seek potential buyers and prospective distributors for their products.
During the well attended Africa's Big Seven trade fair there were10 booths for companies from Indonesia, all of which attracted a lot of interest from visitors.
The visitors were interested in products such as Indomie and ABC Noodle, Kapal Api Indonesian Coffee Mi ABC, Richeese and Dua Kelinci Peanuts. They also had the opportunity to get samples of typical Indonesian products with high taste.
Africa's Big Seven is the continent's largest food and beverage show that brings together global suppliers with buyers.
The event was attended by 200 exhibitors from 29 countries and visited by at least 15,000 visitors.
The ambassador said as a result of the interest shown at the trade fair, he expected food and beverage companies from Indonesia to soon supply their products to South African shops.
Ambassador Al Farisi said: "Africa's Big Seven trade fair has opened up opportunities for Indonesian companies to make a mark in the market in South African and the rest of Africa".