The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from 7 to 9 August 2026, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors, buyers, retailers, investors and trade partners under one roof for the continent’s most significant gathering in the natural and organic products sector.
Now firmly established as Africa’s premier trade platform for the industry, the 2026 Johannesburg edition is expected to build on a strong 2025 showing that drew more than 4,200 verified visitors and over 200 exhibitors from across 10 countries.
The event provides a dedicated space where small and medium enterprises can connect directly with buyers, secure retail listings, explore export pathways and access the kind of market intelligence that is difficult to obtain elsewhere.
Warren Hickinbotham, co-founder of the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa, says the expo was built around a clear commercial purpose. “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.”
South Africa’s position within the global natural products economy continues to strengthen, supported by a rich biodiversity that includes indigenous ingredients such as rooibos, marula, buchu, moringa and honeybush. These ingredients are attracting growing international interest, and the expo plays a direct role in connecting local producers with the global supply chains and distribution networks that can take their products to market.
New Feature Zones Open Fresh Commercial Opportunities
The 2026 expo introduces two significant additions that reflect the changing landscape of the natural products industry. The Cannabis Corner will provide a dedicated space for legal, non-THC and CBD wellness products, giving suppliers, formulators and buyers in this emerging category a focused environment to explore commercial partnerships.
The Mushroom Emporium, the second new zone, will spotlight the fast-growing functional mushroom segment, featuring products built around ingredients including lion’s mane, reishi, chaga and cordyceps. Both zones respond directly to rising consumer demand and growing retailer interest in these categories.
Hickinbotham notes that the new additions reflect a deliberate effort to stay ahead of where the market is heading. “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.”
Strong Industry Support Reflects the Sector’s Growing Confidence
The expo draws broad support from across the industry, with backing from trade bodies, government partners and sector organisations that recognise the platform’s value in driving economic participation.
Demand from small businesses seeking to exhibit continues to significantly outpace available floor space, with applications for 2025 reaching approximately 1,200 against a capacity of around 250 exhibitors. This gap underscores both the health of the sector and the need for continued corporate investment in helping smaller producers access the market.
Hickinbotham is clear about what the event represents for the industry at large. “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.”
The Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 7 to 9 August 2026. For exhibitor enquiries, visitor registration and sponsorship information, visit the official expo website at https://www.organicandnaturalportal.com/expo/
