BEVERAGE FOCUS: East Africa’s Beer Industry — East Africa’s youthful and rapidly urbanizing population is reshaping beer consumption across the region.

Health & Wellness Focus: As workplace wellness gains prominence, Franklin Angermund, Public Affairs and Sustainability Manager at Namibian Breweries Ltd, discusses the importance of responsible and moderate alcohol consumption.

PACKAGING FOCUS: Bringing nutritional information to the forefront, front-of-pack labels are helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

COUNTRY FOCUS: South Africa’s Retail Market – South Africa remains Africa’s most developed and organized retail market.

FOOD INGREDIENTS MEA: The Premiumization of Caramel — Consumers are not abandoning familiar flavours; instead, they are demanding higher-quality, premium versions.

LOGISTICS UPDATE: Trade Route Disruptions — The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in early 2026 has disrupted supply chains and reshaped the movement of fresh produce and other food commodities between the Gulf region, Iran, and Asian markets.