South Africa’s Western Cape is intensifying its export-led economic growth and job creation strategy, with exports forming a cornerstone of competitiveness, innovation, and access to global markets. The province’s leading destinations include the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. To accelerate this trajectory, the Western Cape Government has introduced catalytic initiatives aimed at tripling the value of exports by 2035 and positioning the province as a global export leader. Agriculture, agro-processing, and food and beverage remain the backbone of these exports, with citrus, wine, vegetables, flowers, and deciduous fruits driving growth.
In support of these ambitions, Propak Cape 2026 will once again convene industry leaders to collaborate, innovate, and conduct business. The trade exhibition offers a platform for suppliers of machinery, packaging, food processing, plastics, printing, and labelling to connect with thousands of buyers and business leaders across the Western Cape. With more than two decades of success, Propak Cape has established itself as the largest trade exhibition of its kind in the region, showcasing emerging technologies and packaging innovations. Sustainability, recycling, lightweighting, and cold-chain packaging are among the key trends shaping the industry, alongside regulatory pressures that encourage producer responsibility and investment in recycling partnerships. The growth of e-commerce and exports is also fueling demand for protective transit packaging and value-added solutions.
The previous edition of Propak Cape, held in 2023, featured 200 exhibitors and attracted more than 7,300 visitors over three days. Exhibitors reported strong onsite sales and hundreds of quality leads, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a premier networking opportunity. Mark Anderson, portfolio director at Montgomery Group Africa, highlighted the show’s ability to link people and products, build connections, and facilitate sales. Industry participants echoed this sentiment, with Filmatic Packaging Systems noting the high quality of visitors and USS Pactech praising the caliber of leads and clients. Already, more than 90 percent of exhibition space for the 2026 event has been sold.
Visitors to Propak Cape are typically senior decision-makers, with 83 percent of attendees at the 2023 show holding purchasing authority or significant influence. Nearly half were directors, CEOs, or business owners, with an additional 12 percent in management roles. For 2026, new initiatives will be introduced, alongside content-rich seminars featuring industry experts sharing insights and expertise.
Propak Cape 2026 will take place at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 27 to 29 October 2026. The event will incorporate Pro-Plas Expo, Print Expo, Pro-Label Expo, FoodPro Expo, and the Wine & Olive Oil Production Expo. It is supported by the Institute of Packaging SA, Packaging SA, Plastics SA, Printing SA, and the Aerosol Manufacturers Association, and is organised by Montgomery Group Africa. Further information is available at www.propakcape.co.za.
