Expanded trade opportunities at Organic and Natural Products Expo

The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa returns to the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 7 to 9 August 2026.

The trade show brings together hundreds of exhibitors, buyers, retailers, investors and trade partners for the continent’s most significant gathering in the natural and organic products sector. Now firmly established as Africa’s premier trade platform for the industry, the 2026 edition builds on a strong 2025 showing that drew more than 4 200 verified visitors and over 200 exhibitors from across 10 countries.

A platform built for commercial growth

The expo provides a dedicated space where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can connect directly with buyers, secure retail listings, explore export pathways and access market intelligence that is difficult to obtain elsewhere. Demand from businesses seeking to exhibit continues to significantly outpace available floor space – applications for the 2025 edition reached approximately 1 200 against a capacity of around 250 exhibitors – underscoring both the health of the sector and the need for continued investment in helping smaller producers access the market.

“From the beginning, we wanted this to be a serious business event. The organic and natural products sector in Africa is generating real commercial activity, and companies at every stage of growth need a reliable platform where deals get done and relationships get built,” says Warren Hickinbotham, co-founder, Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa.

New feature zones with fresh opportunities

The 2026 expo introduces two significant additions that reflect the evolving landscape of the natural products industry:

• Cannabis corner – A dedicated space for legal, non-THC and CBD wellness products, giving suppliers, formulators and buyers in this emerging category a focused environment to explore commercial partnerships and product listings.
• Mushroom emporium – A zone spotlighting the fast-growing functional mushroom segment, featuring products built around ingredients including lion’s mane, reishi, chaga and cordyceps.

Both zones respond directly to rising consumer demand and growing retailer interest in these categories.

Showcasing Africa’s natural ingredient heritage

South Africa’s position within the global natural products economy continues to strengthen, supported by a rich biodiversity that includes indigenous ingredients attracting growing international interest. The expo plays a direct role in connecting local producers with global supply chains and distribution networks. Key African botanicals in focus include:

• Rooibos
• Marula
• Buchu
• Moringa
• Honeybush

Sector confidence and strong exhibitor demand

The expo draws broad support from across the industry, with backing from trade bodies, government partners and sector organisations that recognise the platform’s value in driving economic participation. The gap between exhibitor demand and available floor space highlights both the vitality of the sector and the opportunity for corporate investment in bringing more businesses into the fold.

“The appetite from South African entrepreneurs in this space is remarkable. When you see that level of ambition and product quality coming through, the case for growing the event and bringing more businesses into the fold becomes very straightforward,” adds Hickinbotham.

Exhibitor, buyer and visitor information

The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 7 to 9 August 2026. For exhibitor enquiries, visitor registration and sponsorship information, visit the official expo website.