Hundreds of companies have confirmed their arrival in Johannesburg seeking new distribution deals with retailers and entrepreneurs as part of this year’s South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX).

SAITEX 2016, which takes place from June 19 to 21 at the the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, is South Africa’s largest international trade exhibition attracting exhibitors from more than 20 countries. It has become the go-to event for retailers looking for new products where they can meet manufacturers and distributors face-to-face and see first-hand thousands of new products aimed at the southern African market. Exhibitors have revealed some of the products and services being shown at SAITEX 2016, which they hope will appeal to new distributors and retailers.

Shalini Anmol is a director of Top Detergent Ltd from Mauritius, which will show its non-toxic, environmentally-friendly soaps, cleaners and detergents for homes, laundry and hotel use. “We will be in Johannesburg at Saitex 2016 to help us acquire new African markets and buyer,” said Anmol. “It is a key part of our expansion into new international markets.”

Sungreat is already in 50 markets across Asia, the Middle East, South America, Europe and northern Africa supplying auto parts – and SAITEX 2016 will be its introduction to sub-Saharan Africa. The company, which was started by one of Taiwan’s most successful entrepreneurs Janus C D Sun 40 years ago, doesn’t make auto parts, it’s a middleman, managing export orders for factories making parts used in nearly every major make, from Toyota to Volkswagen. Last year the company turned over US$42m in revenue.

“We manage all the detail from product sourcing, supply chain management, quality inspection, customs report and shipping,” said Jessica Sun, company spokeswoman. In tough market conditions some of the world’s biggest supermarket names in Europe have turned to TCC Global, which will be exhibiting at SAITEX 2016 as part of its expansion into Africa.

“TCC is a world leader in creating retail marketing programmes designed to engage shoppers and grow retailers’ sales,” said Steven Brooks, spokesman for TCC Global.  “We help change shopping behavior and we are exhibiting at SAITEX 2016 to find retail and trade customers throughout Africa.” From cookware, cutlery and dinnerware to glasses, domestic appliances, jewellery and bed linen, TCC will be showing international brands including Alessi, Schott Zwiesel, Thomas Rosenthal, Schulte Ufer, Guzzini, Bugatti, Kahla, Green Pan, Kappa and Liora.

“SAITEX is a wonderful blend of exotic and exciting products, ambitious business owners, entrepreneurs as well as buyers and sellers - all eager to do business in Africa,” said Christine Davidson, Vice President of show organiser dmg-ems Africa. Visiting the show is free for retailers, buyers and trade visitors who are being advised to register in advance at the show website.
 
Alongside around 400 exhibitors, SAITEX will also host an all-new conference, The Retail Forum 2016, which has speaker presentations and panel discussions on a range of key issues including: the shopping behaviour of South Africans, a look at the dominance of grocery retailers in the market and how technology is driving the future of innovation in the food industry.

Find out more about visiting the show, exhibiting or attending the conference at www.saitexafrica.com