Read your July 2026 Food & Beverage Reporter Magazine
The South African food and beverage industry continues to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. From evolving consumer expectations and stricter regulations to ambitious sustainability targets, manufacturers are investing in new technologies, stronger partnerships and smarter ways of working to build resilience and unlock long-term growth.
In this edition of Food & Beverage Reporter, we spotlight five stories that showcase how innovation, collaboration and technical expertise are helping shape the future of food and beverage manufacturing.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, specialist ingredient supplier Synercore reflects on a decade of steady growth across Africa’s food ingredient sector. Since launching in 2016, the company has expanded from a specialist supplier into a diversified food technology group serving the bakery, dairy, beverage, confectionery and agri-processing industries.
Its success has been built on consistency and strong global partnerships. As Synercore puts it: “Sustainable growth is built through consistency and its long-term exclusive global strategic partnerships.” It’s a reminder of the vital role ingredient specialists play in driving innovation, technical support and supply chain collaboration throughout the food manufacturing value chain.
Food safety remains firmly in the spotlight. South Africa’s agro-processing sector is a major contributor to employment, economic growth and exports, with agricultural exports reaching R268.7 billion in 2025. Protecting that success depends on robust food safety systems backed by accurate measurement and internationally recognised standards.
Our feature explores the important work of the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) in maintaining national measurement standards and ensuring traceability in food safety testing. Precision, laboratory confidence and regulatory compliance are essential for protecting consumers, supporting exporters and maintaining trust across the industry.
Efficiency doesn’t stop at the production line. Interroll celebrates 28 years of supporting South African industry while continuing to invest in modular conveyor systems, automation, digital technologies and energy-efficient logistics solutions.
As warehouses and distribution centres become increasingly automated, smart materials-handling technologies are helping manufacturers increase throughput, minimise downtime and build more resilient supply chains. Interroll’s long-standing commitment highlights the growing importance of modern logistics infrastructure in food and beverage manufacturing.
The circular economy is also gaining momentum. We report on the opening of the new
material recovery facility in Springs, made possible through PETCO’s infrastructure investment, with support from MetPac-SA. Once fully operational, the facility will process up to 600 tonnes of recyclable material every month, helping divert waste from landfill while strengthening recycling infrastructure, supporting producer responsibility and creating jobs in the Ekurhuleni region.
In packaging, we explore how engineering innovation is helping manufacturers produce more sustainable PET bottles. A Mount Everest-inspired study by Blow Moulding Technologies (BMT) shows how advanced stretch blow moulding simulation and physical testing can accurately predict how PET bottles respond to altitude changes. The approach allows beverage producers to optimise lightweight bottle designs before production, reducing development costs while supporting sustainability goals without compromising performance throughout the supply chain.
Together, these stories reflect an industry that continues to move forward through science, engineering, collaboration and strategic investment. Whether advancing ingredient innovation, strengthening food safety, modernising logistics, expanding recycling infrastructure or improving sustainable packaging, South Africa’s food and beverage sector is building a stronger, more competitive future!
As always we look forward to hearing from you with your latest news, expansion stories and insights.
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