Highlights from the Organic & Natural Products Expo 2025 in Cape Town

From 28^th – 30^th March 2025, Cape Town’s International Convention Centre played host to the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025, the continent’s only dedicated platform for the organic and natural products industry. The vibrant three-day event brought together local and international exhibitors, retailers, health professionals, entrepreneurs, and conscious consumers under one roof, signalling a growing shift toward cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable lifestyles across Africa.

A Dynamic Hub for Organic Innovation

The expo showcased a wide range of natural and organic products spanning sectors such as food and beverages, beauty and personal care, health supplements, baby and pet care, eco-friendly home products, and more. With over 150 local and international exhibitors, including first-time participants from countries like Russia, Nigeria, Kenya, Germany, and the UAE, the event demonstrated the rising global interest in Africa’s green economy and natural wellness movement.

Among the standout trends was a surge in functional food and beverages, clean-label products, CBD-infused wellness items, and plant-based nutrition. Visitors sampled vegan snacks, tested organic skincare, explored herbal health solutions, and discovered emerging African wellness brands breaking new ground with indigenous ingredients and formulations.

Championing SME Growth and Local Talent

True to its mission, the expo provided a crucial platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of the organic and natural products sector. From women-led startups to rural cooperatives, exhibitors shared not only products but powerful origin stories rooted in sustainability, wellness, and community empowerment.

The organisers placed strong emphasis on retail readiness and export potential, with dedicated sessions aimed at helping small brands scale up, navigate compliance, and access regional and international markets. The event also offered a space for brand discovery, where investors, wholesalers, and health store buyers connected directly with founders and innovators shaping Africa’s future of clean living.

Knowledge Exchange and Global Collaboration

An immersive learning experience, the Organic and Natural Products expo’s conferencing component featured over 40 expert speakers across the three days, covering topics such as organic certification, African superfoods, sustainability in packaging, green finance, regenerative farming, clean beauty trends, and consumer insights.

Day One focused on the bigger picture; the future of organic and natural economies, government regulation, and the untapped opportunity of African biodiversity. Day Two turned the spotlight on consumer products, featuring engaging panels on natural skincare, ethical sourcing, and the rise of eco-conscious parenting. Day Three took a practical turn, offering entrepreneurial insights, funding guidance, and panel discussions on e-commerce, brand storytelling, and the retail landscape in Africa.

A notable moment was the participation of the Russian Department for the Development of Organic Products, which signalled the international community’s growing interest in trade partnerships with African producers. Their presence reflected the expo’s broader mission – to place Africa on the map as a serious player in the global natural wellness industry.

Voices of the Expo: Key Themes and Takeaways

Several recurring themes emerged from panel discussions, exhibitor stands, and audience feedback:

• “Africa is not just a consumer—it’s a creator.” Many speakers emphasised the power of African botanicals, ancestral knowledge, and community-based production to shape a truly authentic wellness industry.
• Access to finance remains a major hurdle for small brands, but growing interest from investors in “green economy” businesses suggests momentum is building.
• Certification and traceability are key to building international trust. Many sessions covered how to navigate standards for export markets while staying true to local roots.
• Consumer education is critical. As more African consumers embrace organic and natural lifestyles, transparent labelling, storytelling, and trust will define brand loyalty.
• Sustainability is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. From packaging to product design, there was a clear push for solutions that are good for both people and planet.

A Green Renaissance in Africa

The Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025 was more than a trade show, it was a call to action. It spotlighted the potential for Africa to lead in a sector historically dominated by the Global North, not by mimicking trends, but by offering something original, sustainable, and deeply rooted in tradition.

As Africa’s middle class expands and global demand for clean products continues to soar, the opportunity for organic and natural brands on the continent is limitless. Cape Town’s expo proved that the time is now for investment, innovation, and storytelling that brings African excellence to the global wellness stage.

The next edition of the Organic & Natural Products Expo Africa 2025 shall take place on the 2^nd – 4^th October at the Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg.

For more information visit: https://www.organicandnaturalportal.com/