Transformation takes centre stage
Pretoria, 23 – 24 July 2026, South Africa - Transformation was the defining theme of the 4th South African Essential and Vegetable Oils Conference as industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and producers explored the drivers that will shape a more competitive and sustainable future for the sector.
Themed "Treasures of the Past Leading to the Trophy of the Future", the conference was hosted by the Southern African Essential Oil Producers Association (SAEOPA) in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the Technology and Innovation Agency (TIA), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Throughout the conference, speakers reinforced the message of business sustainability.
Branding specialist Carina Franck of Franck Global highlighted the importance of consistent branding and packaging, reminding delegates that consumers do not simply buy products—they buy purpose, authenticity, origin and a personal connection. This message was echoed by Guillaume Delaunay of Biosylx, who explained that buyers no longer purchase essential oils based solely on price or production capacity. Instead, they buy confidence.
Wynand Gericke of Rosehip Farm encouraged entrepreneurs to approach essential oils as serious businesses founded on sound financial management and continuous improvement.
The conference also addressed the changing global trading environment. Wolfe Braude of Agbiz Fruit warned that geopolitical uncertainty continues to drive up input costs, while Muneera Haerli of Venture Support encouraged producers to strengthen export readiness through rigorous quality control and sound documentation. Mariette van Rooyen of CECOSA cautioned that environmental and sustainability claims must be backed by credible evidence.
Several presentations encouraged delegates to think of creating value far beyond the oil itself. Denzil Phillips of Denzil Phillips International shared international case studies illustrating how essential oils can support tourism, preserve cultural heritage and generate opportunities for surrounding communities. Kate Nene of Ye Ye Farming challenged producers to consider what happens after oil extraction, asking how many livelihoods each crop supports, how much value remains in South Africa and how many communities ultimately benefit.
Vincent Zulu of BNX and Irene Mafatse of Tsele TUMA highlighted the industry's potential to create dignified, sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
Innovation and scientific research featured prominently. Vuyusile Hobolo of the TIA highlighted the need to commercialise South Africa's wealth of publicly funded intellectual property, while Professor David R. Katerere of the Cannabis and Hemp Research Hub showcased advances in carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction technology as an efficient alternative to conventional extraction methods.
Dr Mbokota Candy Khosa of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) presented encouraging research showing that Lippia javanica (fever tea) and cinnamon oil demonstrated strong potential for controlling root-knot nematodes that damage vegetable crops. Dr Ansia van Coller of the South African Medical Research Council's Genomics Platform outlined the African BioGenome Project, which aims to address the significant gap between Africa's extraordinary biodiversity and available genomic data. Professor Lyndi McGaw of the University of Pretoria highlighted the potential of essential oils in animal health, including for the treatment of foot and mouth disease and reducing heat stress.
The conference also showcased exciting examples of innovation and the circular economy, with Wanda du Plessis of Preserve Botanica presenting a pioneering project that converts discarded hop biomass into high-value essential oils and hydrosols.
As SAEOPA also celebrated its 25-year milestone, the conference reinforced that the future of South Africa's essential and vegetable oils industry will be built on the same principles that have shaped its past: transformation, innovation, collaboration and a commitment to creating value that benefits producers, communities and international markets alike.
For further information please contact:
Bernard Bau, Project Manager, b.bau [at] unido.org
