The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), in partnership with the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) and the UN Industrial Development Organisation (Unido), will host the Essential Oils Conference at Rosemary Hill, Pretoria East, on July 23 and 24.

The conference comes at a time of growing global demand for natural ingredients, sustainable cosmetics and plant-based wellness products, providing a platform for industry stakeholders to explore opportunities to strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness in the rapidly expanding essential oils market, the dtic points out.

Through a focus on quality, innovation, value addition and export readiness, the conference aims to position the country’s biodiversity economy to capture a greater share of international trade while supporting industrialisation, rural development and inclusive economic growth.

The conference forms part of the Unido-Seco Global Quality and Standards Programme, a 42-month partnership with the dtic to strengthen South Africa’s quality infrastructure, improve compliance with international standards and enhance the competitiveness of locally produced essential and vegetable oils in global markets.

Valued at more than $15-billion, the global essential oils market continues to grow as demand increases for natural, sustainably sourced products used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, fragrance and wellness industries, the dtic highlights.

South Africa exports about $73.5-million worth of essential oils yearly and is well positioned to expand its market share through its rich biodiversity, which includes high-value indigenous oils such as buchu, Cape chamomile, rose geranium, helichrysum, marula and baobab, the dtic acclaims.

As the lead department responsible for industrial development and export competitiveness, the dtic is implementing interventions to strengthen quality infrastructure, promote value addition and beneficiation, facilitate market access and support greater participation by small, medium-sized and emerging enterprises in domestic and international value chains.

dtic sector deputy director-general Dr Tebogo Makube asserts that the country has a unique opportunity to transform its biodiversity into a globally competitive industry that delivers inclusive economic growth.

“South Africa’s natural biodiversity is one of our greatest economic assets. By investing in quality infrastructure, innovation and internationally recognised standards, we are creating the conditions for local producers to compete successfully in premium global markets while advancing industrialisation and export-led growth,” he says.

Makube highlights that government is committed to ensuring that more value is added locally before products enter international markets.

“Our ambition is not simply to export raw natural resources, but to develop globally competitive manufacturing industries that produce high-value essential oil products. This approach strengthens industrial capability, creates employment and enables South African businesses to capture greater value from global supply chains.”

Makube adds that the conference will help unlock new opportunities for producers across the value chain.

“The essential oils sector has significant potential to create sustainable livelihoods, particularly for rural communities, women-owned enterprises, youth entrepreneurs and small businesses.

“By bringing together producers, buyers, researchers, development partners and policymakers, this conference will strengthen collaboration, improve export readiness and position South Africa as a trusted supplier of premium, sustainably produced essential and vegetable oils.” 

The conference will bring together producers, exporters, manufacturers, researchers, laboratories, certification bodies, government institutions, international buyers and investors to discuss market diversification, responsible agriculture, quality assurance, sustainability, innovation and emerging export opportunities.