World-class exhibitors ready for Lagos State 9th agrofood – Organizers

No fewer than 100 world-class exhibitors and 17 world leaders will participate in the ninth agrofood and plastprintpack Nigeria Exhibition slated for March 26 to 28 in Lagos state.

Freyja Detjen, Senior Project Manager, fairtrade Messe, stated this at a pre-media and stakeholders’ pre-exhibition meet-up on Tuesday in Lagos state.

Detjen said with packaging technology amounting to €363 million in 2022, Nigeria stood as Africa’s second-largest investor, trailing South Africa with €381million and Egypt with €319 million.

She said Nigeria’s food production had witnessed a remarkable surge of 39.6 per cent in recent years, from €26 billion in 2016 to €36.3 billion in 2020.

Detjen said this was projected to rise by 48 per cent between 2021 and 2024, from €42.3 billion to €62.6 billion, according to Euromonitor International.

She said in spite of the significant investments in local food production, Nigeria’s food imports stood $6.9billion in 2022, positioning the nation as one of the Africa’s foremost food importers.

“Over 100 world-class exhibitors from Austria, Bulgaria, China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Türkiye, and Ukraine, showcasing tailored products and solutions for the Nigerian market.

“With €143 million in 2022, Nigeria emerges as the second-largest investor in plastics technology in Africa, showcasing an annual growth rate of 17.6 per cent between 2016 and 2022.

“Nigerian imports of printing and paper processing technology have surged by 17 per cent annually, reaching €92million in 2022, securing Nigeria’s position as the second-largest investor in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Nigeria leads in packaging technology investments in Africa with €183 million in 2022, surpassing South Africa with €175 million and Egypt with €162 million,” she said.

Detjen said the ninth agrofood and plastprintpack Nigeria 2024 would be the largest ever.

She said that global technology leaders from 17 countries would attend the three-day conference at the highest level at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos state.

According to her, building on the highly successful momentum of 8th edition in 2023 , the organizers are proud to announce the elevated standards set for the upcoming 9th edition.

“With an unwavering commitment to excellence, every aspect of the event has been meticulously enhanced to deliver an unparalleled experience, surpassing previous benchmarks.

“These efforts are now being rewarded. From 26 to 28 March 2024, the 9th agrofood and plastprintpack Nigeria for the very first time expands into three halls, solidifying its position as the largest gathering yet,” she said.

She said the event would be organized by the German trade show specialists, fairtrade Messe.
She added that the international exhibition and conference was set to unfold pioneering global innovations for Nigeria’s agrofood and plastprintpack industry.

Detjen said the official national pavilions from China, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands would be present at the event.

Detjen added that the exhibition would feature prominent exhibitors, engaging workshops, and live bakery sessions.

Detjen noted that Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection and certification services, would be the registration sponsor of the event.

“This event offers great networking opportunities,” Detjen said.

Mrs Ayodele Tella, Senior Programme Manager, TechnoServe, said the chief executive officers of the top five brands in the wheat flour, edible oil, and sugar industries would be awarded at the event.

According to her, on March 26, the third annual MFI Awards and the Millers for Nutrition Country Launch, powered by TechnoServe via a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation sponsored initiative-the Millers for Nutrition Coalition, will take place.

Several Nigerian ministers and members of the Dangote family and the Dangote Foundation will personally present the awards to the Chief Executive Officers of the top five brands in the wheat flour, edible oil, and sugar industries.

Alexander Isong, President, Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, said the event would offer opportunity for companies to purchase agricultural equipment at affordable price.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi