Indonesian food and beverage products reached transactions worth US$7.73 at the South Africa Africa's Big 7 (AB7) exhibition from 18 to 20 June 2023. Head of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Johannesburg Tonny Hendriawan in a written statement on Friday (23/6 ) conveyed that Indonesia tries continuously to increase the potential for food and beverage exports. Tony further explained that Indonesia's participation in this exhibition was carried out in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria and ITPC Johannesburg. Tony affirmed Indonesian business actors need to diversify export markets through intensive promotion to the South African market which has become the entry point for markets in the South African region. He said South Africa is a unique market.
Business actors need to study the South African market carefully. South African consumers are generally loyal to certain brands. Around 70 percent of consumers are in the middle to lower income range, so they are quite sensitive to price. Africa's Big 7 is followed by business actors from various countries such as Indonesia, China, India, Mozambique, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. The Indonesian Pavilion was opened by the Chargé d'Affaires Ad Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria Victor Sambuaga accompanied by ITPC Johannesburg and it received the attention of more than 1,000 visitors coming from South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana and Mozambique.
Moreover, Victor pointed out that although the import duty rates for the South African market are still high, he is sure that Indonesian products still has opportunities and potential to enter this market.