Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition August 2025
Unlocking Exclusive Benefits
for Our Members
Chamber's Note
The Power of Membership:
Unlocking Connections and Opportunities
In today’s fast-moving business world, success isn’t just about what you know it’s about who you’re connected to. The right introductions, the right networks, and the right opportunities can change the course of your business in an instant.
That’s where ItalCham membership makes the difference. From access to exclusive contacts and tailored networking platforms to business insights and strategic connections, being part of ItalCham means opening doors to opportunities that go far beyond borders.
With ItalCham, membership isn’t just a status, it’s a passport to growth, influence, and meaningful collaboration.
Here's how to lock yourself into the Chamber's network:
1. Sign Up as a Chamber Member
Why? Because your business doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It grows through conversations, partnerships, and knowing the right people. And, frankly, the Chamber is full of the right people.
2. Visit Our Website
If you don’t check in once in a while, you’ll never know what you’re missing. Delegations, networking events, exclusive opportunities—think of it as your digital espresso bar, always brewing something fresh.
3. Join the SMILE Community
It’s not just a name; it’s a philosophy. A group of like-minded professionals exchanging ideas, resources, and the occasional piece of industry gossip. If business was a party, this would be the VIP lounge.
4. Sign Up for a Delegation
Want to expand your horizons? Trade missions and delegations are how business empires get built. Also, you get to travel—and who says no to that?
5. Nominate Someone for the Business Excellence Awards
Know someone who’s done something brilliant? Shine a spotlight on them. Recognition is the currency of success, and it’s always nice to be the one handing out the gold stars.
6. Follow Us on Instagram
Because business isn’t just emails and spreadsheets—it’s also about looking good while doing it.
7. Connect with Us on LinkedIn
Your network is your net worth. Every great collaboration starts with a simple connection request.
8. Apply as a Vendor for the Italy in Town Festival
Why? Because your craft deserves a stage (and what better stage than one filled with Italian flair, food, music, and thousands of curious visitors?). This is your chance to turn foot traffic into loyal customers and your stall into the heart of the festival buzz.
Why Do Any of This?
Because connections matter, opportunities don’t wait. Because networking open doors, and access creates advantage. Because every connection is a chance to grow, and if you’re not there yet? The opportunity is waiting!
All it takes is joining ItalCham to start turning networks into real
business success.
Webinar: Navigating
An Upside-Down World
South Africa is entering a period marked by a tougher global environment, the need for accelerated structural reforms, and the realities of a more divided government. At the same time, sustaining domestic demand will be vital for driving stronger economic growth and creating jobs in the years to come.
In this context, Nicky Weimar will provide an in-depth outlook on South Africa’s economy and financial landscape examining the challenges ahead while also pointing to areas of resilience and opportunity that can shape a more promising future.
Join this engaging session as Nicky Weimar unpacks South Africa’s Economic and Financial Landscape.
Date: 01 September 2025
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)
SMILE Event: Save The Date
.png)
Driving Business Forward:
The 4th European Chambers
Golf Day Tees Off in Cape Town
.jpg)
ItalCham is delighted to join its European counterparts for the 4th Annual European Chambers Golf Day, taking place on Friday, 7 November 2025 at the scenic Metropolitan Golf Club in Cape Town.
This exclusive event brings together members of the European business community for a day of strategic networking and friendly competition.
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Seaboard, the Golf Day offers more than just a game — it is a curated platform for fostering transnational business relationships, engaging with industry leaders, and championing the collective strength of Europe’s economic presence in the region.
Hosted in partnership with the Belgian, British, Spanish, Netherlands and Portuguese Chambers, this is more than just a game of golf — it’s an opportunity to drive business forward and strengthen European ties in South Africa.
Mark your calendar and get ready to swing into new business opportunities.
View our sponsorship packages for the golf day
If you would like to participate or to become a sponsor contact Anna-Maria:
12th CEO Dialogue
on Southern Africa
ItalCham is pleased to share the 12th edition of the TEHA CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa, Ambrosetti’s flagship Forum on the continent. This exclusive, high-level summit will bring together 200+ CEOs, ministers, economists, and global thought leaders to shape the future of business and policy in Africa.
With coverage from international media such as Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC, Business Day, SABC News, and Newzroom, the Dialogue promises unmatched visibility and impact.
Date: 20-21 November 2025
Venue:The Houghton Hotel (Lloys Ellis Avenue) Johannesburg, South Africa
The event has the following objectives:
-
Promoting unique business opportunities in the region.
-
Strengthening business and political relations among companies and institutions.
-
Providing business and political leaders with innovative approaches and ideas capable of shaping their strategies.
Alongside the discussions, participants will enjoy a cocktail reception and gala dinner, providing an exclusive networking experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Africa’s premier business and leadership forum.
Italy in Town 2025
Vendor Application
22-23 November
🍝 Be Part of Cape Town’s Biggest Italian Celebration!
Italy in Town is back on 22–23 November 2025 at the Cape Quarter — and we’re expecting 10,000 visitors in just two days!
This is your chance to showcase your products, connect with thousands of potential customers, and be part of a vibrant Italian experience filled with food, wine, music, and culture.
Spaces are limited — secure your stand today!
📧 Fill out the application form below and send it to enquiries@italcham.co.za to register.
Welcoming Our New Member
BeXport
BeXport is an independent company based in Milan, Italy, dedicated to developing and commercializing international beverage brands in export markets. With a strong focus on Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Nordics, the company today supports more than 40 markets worldwide.
In 2024, BeXport established its local import operations in South Africa, reintroducing Peroni Nastro Azzurro to the country alongside other globally renowned brands such as Grolsch, Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Estrella Galicia, and WelfBräu. This selected portfolio reflects BeXport’s mission to deliver international brands tailored to the needs of dynamic and fast-growing markets, ensuring both authenticity and accessibility for consumers.
In South Africa, BeXport is committed to building long-term value for its brands through retail visibility, consumer activations, and dedicated customer support. As the local beer culture continues to evolve, the company is focused on strengthening the presence of its portfolio, positioning itself as a trusted partner for premium beverage growth in the region
ECOMONDO 2025
Hosted Buyers Programme
Join the Italian-South African Chamber’s hosted delegation to ECOMONDO 2025, Europe’s benchmark event for the green, blue and circular economy, organized by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group. Following the success of our 2023 and 2024 missions, we are now recruiting 8 South African companies to visit this premier international exhibition.
Here's what ECOMONDO 2024 looked like:
*1,620 exhibitors
*International operators from more than 120 countries
*650 hosted buyers from 65 countries
*Over 200 conferences and workshops
Why Join?
ECOMONDO 2025 will showcase a renewed and expanded format with 7 thematic areas and 6 exhibition districts, covering the full spectrum of environmental technologies and green innovation:
Circular and Regenerative Bio-Economy
Environmental Monitoring & Earth Observation
SAL.VE - Cleaning and Waste Disposal Vehicles Expo
ECOMONDO is the leading platform to meet key players in the green and circular economy and discover the latest sustainable technologies and solutions. The 2025 edition will focus on today’s most urgent environmental challenges, bringing together innovation, business opportunities, and expert insights through a rich exhibition and a high-level conference programme.
Buyers Programme - What’s Included:
Selected companies will receive the following benefits:
• 3-night hotel accommodation (B&B treatment, 4-start hotel) for 1 buyer per company
• Cash reimbursement of maximum € 300,00 as partial coverage of the flight ticket for 1 buyer per company
• Transfers Bologna Airport – Hotel / Hotel – Bologna Airport
• Daily transfer from the hotel to the expo venue, and back
• Free entrance ticket
• Lunch at the exhibition centre
Buyers will have to undertake:
• To schedule at least 10 B2B meetings with Ecomondo exhibitors using the online “My Agenda by IEG” platform. These 30-minute meetings will take place on November 6. If the quota is not met in advance, additional appointments must be arranged directly at the expo;
• To submit the appointment diary, duly completed and signed by all exhibitors met;
• To complete an online satisfaction survey at the end of the meetings;
• To return to the exhibition on November 7 to explore additional companies of interest.
Apply by 12 September 2025
Limited spots available – applications will close as soon as the delegation reaches full capacity.
Eligibility Criteria
- The company representative who will attend Ecomondo must be a decision maker.
- All companies with a turnover of at least ZAR 20.000.000 or with concrete projects in progress or in the start-up phase can apply. The project must be well explained in the dedicated section of the application form.
For more information:
📧 italy@italcham.co.za
📞 Cell: +27 66 598 9396 | WhatsApp: +39 345 421 4440
SIGEP World 2026
Hosted Buyers Programme
Join the Italian-South African Chamber’s hosted delegation to SIGEP WORLD 2026, the leading international event for the Foodservice Community, uniting top professionals from the worlds of Gelato, Pastry & Choco, Coffee, Bakery and
Pizza. This high-energy exhibition offers a unique insight into the industry's future, showcasing ground-breaking innovations, emerging trends and new consumer experiences.
From ingredients and products to equipment, furnishings, packaging and cutting-edge technologies, SIGEP is the ultimate platform for networking and discovering top-tier business opportunities. Every encounter is a gateway to evolve, innovate and drive your business forward!
Here's what SIGEP World 2025 looked like:
-
1,300 exhibiting brands
-
30 halls and 138,000 square meters of exhibition space
-
545 hosted top buyers from 79 countries
-
More than 5,500 meetings
Why Join?
SIGEP World offers direct access to the latest innovations and trends shaping the global out-of-home foodservice industry. The event is a high-value networking opportunity across 5 different sectors:
The 2026 edition will combine business opportunities, expert insights and professional development through direct interaction with companies and specialists across the entire out-of-home sector.
Buyers Programme - What’s Included:
Selected companies will receive the following benefits:
-
3-night hotel accommodation (B&B treatment) for 1 representative per company*
-
Cash reimbursement of maximum € 300,00 as partial coverage of the flight ticket for 1 representative per company
-
Transfers Bologna Airport – Hotel / Hotel – Bologna Airport
-
Daily transfer from the hotel to the expo venue, and back
-
Free entrance ticket and lunch at the exhibition centre
Applicants will have to undertake:
-
To schedule at least 10 B2B meetings with SIGEP exhibitors using the online “My Agenda by IEG” platform. These 30-minute meetings will take place on January 18. If the quota is not met in advance, additional appointments must be arranged directly at the expo
-
To submit the appointment diary, duly completed and signed by all exhibitors met
-
To complete an online satisfaction survey at the end of the meetings
-
To return to the exhibition on January 19 to explore additional companies of interest*
*It will be possible to extend the stay to a fourth night, provided that the company’s representative also visits SIGEP on January 20 in addition to the planned days mentioned above.
Apply by 31 October 2025
Space is limited - the registration period will close early if the delegation reaches its maximum number of participants.
The company representative who will attend SIGEP must be a decision maker.
For more information:
📧 italy@italcham.co.za
📞 Cell: +27 66 598 9396 | WhatsApp: +39 345 421 4440
job board
View the job vacancies on the SMILE website
via this link - CLICK HERE
If you are currently hiring,
please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates HERE
.png)
Alla prossima!