The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025, taking place from 28 to 30 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, boasts an all-encompassing programme of insightful talks, panel discussions, and experiential sessions that are set to delight showgoers.

Setting the Stage for Southern African Organics

The expo kicks off on Friday, 28 March, with a focus on the Southern African organic sector. Ilze van Schalkwyk, Chief Director Economic Sector Support at the Western Cape Economic Development will open the conference, followed by Matt Purkis, Joint Operations at the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO), setting the scene for the region’s botanical industry.

A key highlight of the day will be two panel discussions moderated by project manager and management consultant, Avril Harvey. Hosted by the Southern African Botanical Products Association (SABPA), the first panel features Ulrich Feiter, Dr. Thomas Brendler and Suzette Trevor, all of whom are SABPA board members. The trio will introduce the organisation and discuss indigenous plants alongside Access and Benefit Sharing frameworks.

Ulrich Feiter, SABPA board member
Feiter, who has been instrumental in shaping South African bioprospecting legislation since 2002, brings a wealth of experience from his work with Parceval Pty, a herbal pharmaceutical business he founded in 1992.

Dr. Thomas Brendler, both SABPA board members
Dr. Brendler, a renowned scientist with over 30 years of experience in natural product development, will share insights on market access for Southern African botanical products, drawing on his extensive research and affiliations with global organisations like the American Botanical Council.

Suzette Trevor – lead buyer at Döhler South Africa and SABPA board member
Trevor, lead buyer at Döhler South Africa, is a global producer, marketer and provider of technology-driven natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions for the food and beverage industry.

Jo-Anne Fourie, Director of the SA Honeybush Tea Association (SAHTA) and Sales and Marketing Manager at The Honeybush Company
The second panel discussion will include Purkis and Jo-Anne Fourie, Director of the SA Honeybush Tea Association (SAHTA) and Sales and Marketing Manager at The Honeybush Company.

Additional sessions on the first day will cover practical topics such as getting listed in South African retail with Andrew Muson from Food Lover’s Market and effective financial management with a representative from Standard Bank.

The day will also feature an international perspective with Aleksandr Chumak, Deputy Head of RussQuality, providing an overview of the Russian organic sector.

Global Perspectives and Innovative Solutions

Saturday, 29 March, will delve into global trends and innovative solutions shaping the organic industry.

Muhammad Zubair, CEO of the Halaal Research Council, will explore the global development of the halaal food industry and its certification processes, offering a unique perspective on market opportunities.

Dr. Adriaan Smit, Managing Director of the Mushroom Academy will share expertise on sustainability in the 21st-century mushroom industry, while Etienne Marais, a South African exotic mushroom cultivator, will discuss the challenges and techniques of balancing cultivation with market growth.

Goodwill Moyo, CEO of Ideation Station, will demystify AI in social media marketing, offering practical strategies for brands to enhance engagement while maintaining a human touch.

The day will also feature Joan van Wyngaard, Founder and CEO of Vitant, who will explore new approaches to pain relief using PEA, curcumin, and quercetin, and Daniël Kotzé from Ecocert, who will discuss European export certification.

Nicolas McLean of Feed Me Green will unpack the importance of gut health, rounding off a day focused on health, technology and global trade.

Acupuncturist and holistic health expert Gideon le Roux

Experiential Learning and Future Visions

The final day, Sunday, 30 March, will offer hands-on experiences and forward-thinking discussions. Joan van Wyngaard will return to discuss sustainable truffle cultivation. Acupuncturist and holistic health expert, Gideon le Roux will host a Tai Chi demonstration, inviting attendees to join in. This will be followed by a yoga session by Elaine Seidel.

Alexandra Dodd, a campaigner with Plant Based Treaty SA, will share a compelling vision for the future, highlighting South Africa’s role in the global plant-based movement. Dodd, a futurist and advocate for social, environmental, and animal justice, will discuss the impact of initiatives like the Fossil Fuel Treaty and the Plant Based Treaty on transforming food systems.

Michael O’Rouke - Mindfulness facilitator, yoga instructor and mentor
In the afternoon, mindfulness facilitator, yoga instructor and mentor Michael O’Rouke will present on ‘Mindfulness - Awareness to Wellness’.

The day will conclude with a slow food experience led by McLean, offering attendees a chance to connect over shared values of sustainability and mindful consumption.

Elaine Seidel
For more information, tickets and further details, visit https://www.organicandnaturalportal.com.