South Africa: Food Processing Ingredients Market Report
South Africa’s agro-food and beverages processing sector, serving a population of about 53 million, remains a significant component of the manufacturing economy. The sector is developed, highly concentrated and competitive, producing high quality and niche products for local and international markets. The agro-processing (food and beverages) industry contributed $2.9 billion between January-August 2013, an annual percentage change of 4 percent. The sector has a number of competitive advantages, making it an important trading partner. The establishment of preferential trade agreements such as Customs Union for Southern African Customs Union countries, African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for the U.S. market, a Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Southern African Development Community (SADC) and with the European Union (EU), and other agreements which confer generous benefits to South Africa.