The South African businesspeople who participated in the World Food Moscow International Food Exhibition are in consensus that the country is abound with trade opportunities and they would follow up on the trade leads they acquired during the exhibition. The participation of the businesspeople in the week-long fair was funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), with the aim of helping them acquire export market in Russia and other counties.

The Managing Director of Thandi Wines, Mr Vernon Henn says he came back to SA with quality promising leads that he will follow up on.

“The Russian market showed interest in the South African wines and this would help expand his wines’ foot print in Russia. We made contacts with big wine importers and we are confident we will do business with them, expand business and create jobs,” says Henn.

A Koopmanskloof-based wine exporter, Mr Rydal Jeftha, who also participated in the exhibition with an intention to expand its current international distribution of bottled wines echoed Henn’s sentiments.

He says the Russians loved and showed interest in his wines and he acquired leads with big reputable wholesalers. He adds that he is happy with the outcomes and is going back to Russia in a month’s’ time for follow-up meetings.

The Managing Export Manager of Continental Biscuits, Ms Sandra Ndlovu was intrigued by the level of interest in their variety of biscuits.

“Some of Russia’s big retail shops showed a lot of interest in our products and we are hopeful that the leads we acquired would yield results in the next six months,” says Ndlovu. 

Ms Marletto Kellerman who was representing the Fresh Produce Exporters described the fair as a good vehicle for the SA fresh produce to enter the Russia market. She adds that she received very good leads and stated the quality fruits and absents of sanctions against SA fresh produce as a huge advantage.   

South Africa’s Foreign Economic Representative in Russia, Mr Moloko Leshaba described the SA participation in the fair as a success.

“The general response from companies is that they received good leads and are hopeful to report trade exports in six months. The levels of interests in spices and citrus fruits was one key outcome of the exhibition,” says Leshaba.