The Malaysia-Africa Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar 2011 (POTS) took place at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, on the 7 December.
The objectives of POTS is to generate greater awareness of the nutritional benefits and advantages of palm oil for food and non-food industries; to establish, renew and widen contacts with the fats and oils industry in Africa; and to provide a conducive platform for interaction between members of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and the African region.
The proceedings included an exciting line-up of seminar papers; networking opportunities with participants from more than 40 countries in Africa; and an exhibition boasting new products and services.
The success of the first trade fair and seminar, held in 2007, encouraged this follow-up meeting as emerging investment opportunities arise in this sector. It is viewed that the demand for fats and oils continues to grow, globally. Whether Africa is ready for this was debated during the proceedings.
Speakers included Dr Aubrey Parsons who addressed the opportunities of palm oil, for the food and health care sectors, in SA. He said industry must make consumers aware of the potential health benefits this miracle plant has, however, bad press can be detrimental to scientific research.
Rob Abendanon, managing director of Wilmer Oils and Fats Africa, discussed logistical and transportation challenges for fats and oils in sub-Saharan Africa. He made the delegates aware of the very real dangers faced in transporting this commodity. Piracy in the Indian Ocean can no longer be ignored, he emphasised, and the only way to eradicate the challenges the palm oil industry faces, he believes, is by suppliers making this a top priority.
Derick Francis, managing director of FR Waring, spoke about the market potential of palm oil in sub-Saharan Africa and Shailendra Mishra, commercial director for Louis Dreyfus Commodities Africa, addressed the supply and demand of fats and oils in sub-Saharan Africa.
Overall it was a successful trade fair, for all who attended, and I'm sure industry looks forward to its outcomes.
