Western Cape’s 1st Halal mission to a European Market

Although the Fair is not strictly Halal, it is the first Halal Mission led by Wesgro to a European Market.

Out of the ten local companies showcasing their products, five are Halal including: Delite foods, Pura Beverages, Uber Flavour, Tierhoek Organic, and Turqle Trading. Other companies representing from the Cape are Akan Moringa, Baleia Wines, The Duchess, SXOLLIE Natural Ciders and Zest Gourmet Foods.

The “industry-only”, three day event is the UK’s most influential annual gathering of artisan, speciality and luxury food and drink producers. Bringing together more than 700 producers and distributors, 200 of which are completely new to the UK market, the Fair provides an unrivalled opportunity for independent retailers, specialist buyers and wholesalers, importers, and high-end caterers to tap into new and premium produce as well as immerse themselves in current and future trends impacting the industry.

Frequented by some of the UK’s revered businessmen, British business magnate Lord Alan Sugar - the star of BBC One’s The Apprentice, is expected to be in attendance this year.

Commenting on the strategic significance of this mission, Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, commented: “The United Kingdom is the Western Cape’s second largest export destination, with exports reaching over R9 billion in 2017. Our top exports include wines, grapes and citrus fruit. The Fair provides the perfect platform for Western Cape companies to diversify their agri-export offering - owing to the UK's growing Muslim population resulting in increased demand for Halal food and beverages creating a plethora of opportunities for Halal exporters into the market. We will continue to put our energy behind improving our trade with the UK and strategically assisting retailers to promote Western Cape Halal products to the UK and the rest of Europe.”

Cape Town Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille said: “Some of the bestselling points for Cape Town is its rich history with diverse communities living side by side. Each year thousands visitors and investors come our shores because of our diverse offerings. Our Muslim community continues to make incredible contributions to all sectors across our city and tourism is just one of them."

De Lille added: “The mission to attract more visitors to Cape Town as an Halal destination is bound to attract more visitors from Europe and beyond. As an inclusive and opportunity city, we look forward to working with partners to grow this market to boost our tourism numbers all year round.”

Further highlighting the importance of the United Kingdom’s market, the Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde added, “In May 2017, we led a successful mission to the United Kingdom which looked to promote the Western Cape’s market share in new opportunities of high growth pockets of excellence, such as Halal Trade. It gives me pleasure that Wesgro is advancing Halal exports to this already lucrative market and look forward to seeing the growth of our Halal offering in the UK market.”

Mr Denan Kuni, Head of International Trade and Development concluded: “The Western Cape’s “Halal” product basket is a diverse offering including fresh fish products, preserved fruit and jams, mixed juices, cereal, sauces, syrups and seasoning products, to mention but a few. The Cape boasts a plethora of premium food and beverage products - we look forward to extending our local footprint in this niche market by showcasing our offering to buyers, importers and distributors attending the Fair."

Issued by Wesgro Media Team, 4 September 2018

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