Read your October 2026 Food & Beverage Reporter Magazine

Building skills, improving processes and advancing circular packaging

South Africa’s food and beverage industry depends on its ability to develop people, respond to changing consumer needs and improve operational efficiency. In this issue, we examine how workforce development, dairy nutrition, digital measurement and plastics circularity are shaping business decisions across the value chain.

Access to skilled and trainable employees remains a priority for food manufacturers, processors and suppliers. SA Youth, South Africa’s largest online youth recruitment platform, connects employers with more than five million registered work seekers. For food and beverage businesses seeking to recruit young talent, develop skills, and build future workforce capacity, this platform offers a way to identify candidates and support employment opportunities.

Consumer demand is also influencing product development. Kerry research indicates that 81% of consumers are motivated to stay in good health when making food purchasing decisions, while 37% look for

high-protein content. These findings highlight opportunities for South African dairy manufacturers to develop products that combine nutritional value, protein content, digestive health benefits and consumer enjoyment.

Technology is another focus. VEGA demonstrates how battery-powered radar level sensors can support digitising bulk liquid and solid measurement, connecting vessels and supply-chain operations to Internet of Things (IoT) systems. For manufacturers and logistics providers, improved measurement and data integration can support process visibility and operational management.

Meanwhile, the South African Plastics Pact has elected a new Steering Committee to guide industry collaboration towards its 2030 circular economy targets. Packaging design, recyclability, recycled content, reuse and recycling rates remain central to the sector’s work.

These developments reflect the interconnected challenges facing South African food and beverage businesses. Read this issue of Food & Beverage Reporter for insights into recruitment, dairy innovation, industrial digitalisation and sustainable packaging, and consider how these developments could inform your organisation’s next steps.

If you have any news, trends, tech improvements, or just celebrating that special company anniversary, talk to us. 

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For for any advertising or editorial queries or contributions or to request our media pack for 2026 contact us at wendy@fbreporter.co.za and editor@fbreporter.co.za 

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