Africa’s leading natural and organic products trade platform returns with expanded exhibition categories, growing international interest and record business participation
By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Show co-founder Warren Hickinbotham Photo Credit: Supplied
The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa is set to return to the Sandton Convention Centre from 7 to 9 August 2026, with organisers promising expanded trade opportunities, new product categories and record levels of business participation across the natural and organic products industry.
Now regarded as Africa’s leading trade platform for the sector, the Johannesburg expo is expected to build on a strong 2025 performance that attracted more than 4,200 verified visitors and over 200 exhibitors from 10 countries. The event serves as a marketplace where producers, retailers, distributors, investors and buyers can meet, negotiate deals and explore growth opportunities across the continent.
For many small and medium-sized enterprises, the expo provides direct access to buyers that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Exhibitors use the platform to secure retail listings, explore export channels and gain market intelligence on consumer trends, pricing and distribution opportunities.
“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,” said Warren Hickinbotham, co-founder of the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa.
South Africa’s role in the global natural products economy continues to expand, driven in part by the country’s biodiversity and its portfolio of indigenous ingredients. Products derived from rooibos, marula, buchu, moringa and honeybush are attracting increasing international attention, and the expo aims to connect local producers with global supply chains and distribution networks.
New Feature Zones Reflect Changing Consumer Demand
The 2026 edition will introduce two major feature zones designed to showcase some of the fastest-growing segments of the industry.
The Cannabis Corner will focus on legal, non-THC and CBD wellness products, creating a dedicated environment for suppliers, formulators and buyers to explore commercial partnerships and emerging market opportunities.
The Mushroom Emporium will highlight the rapidly growing functional mushroom category, featuring products made with ingredients such as lion’s mane, reishi, chaga and cordyceps. Organisers believe the new additions will help position the expo at the forefront of industry trends while facilitating targeted business engagement.
“We pay close attention to what buyers are looking for and where category growth is happening. The functional mushroom space and the CBD wellness market are both showing strong momentum, and it makes sense to give them proper visibility at the expo so that genuine business conversations can take place,” Hickinbotham said.
Growing Demand Signals Industry Confidence
The expo continues to attract significant interest from entrepreneurs and producers seeking market access. According to organisers, applications to exhibit in 2025 reached approximately 1,200, far exceeding the available capacity of around 250 exhibitors.
The overwhelming demand highlights both the strength of the sector and the growing need for platforms that can connect emerging businesses with retailers, distributors and investors.
“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,” Hickinbotham added.
A Strategic Platform for African Growth
Supported by industry associations, government stakeholders and trade organisations, the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa continues to play a critical role in strengthening Africa’s natural products ecosystem.
As global demand for sustainable, organic and wellness-focused products continues to rise, the event offers African businesses a valuable gateway to both domestic and international markets.
With increasing consumer interest in health, sustainability and natural ingredients, the 2026 Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa is expected to be one of the sector’s largest gatherings yet, bringing together retailers, distributors, producers, investors and innovators from across the continent.
The event will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 7 to 9 August 2026.
