The Western Cape’s 13million hectares of agricultural land produces between 55 and 60% of South Africa’s exports and more than 20% of South Africa’s total agricultural output. The sector supports almost 10 000 farms and employs a quarter of a million people.
The Western Cape construction industry, encompassing residential, commercial and industrial building, as well as infrastructure development, is robust and in a generally healthy state. The middle and upper residential sector has experienced exceptional growth and the non-residential building sector has performed well, driven by demands for office space, industrial facilities and retail locations.
Consumer goods are defined as goods that are ultimately consumed rather than used in the production of other goods and are specifically intended for the mass consumer market.
The combination of excellent and plentiful agricultural produce, large manufacturing capacity and a skilled workforce has contributed in the Western Cape being a leader in the food and beverages sector. This sector is the second-biggest contributor to the Western Cape's annual export basket, behind agriculture and fishing.
The manufacturing sector in the Western Cape attracts large amounts of inward investment, and enjoys substantial state assistance as an employment-creating industry. Manufactured products include heavy-duty industrial equipment, vehicle parts and electrical equipment. Exporters in this sector have experience in supplying large quantities to buyers from developed and developing countries.
