Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition May 2026
The Power of Membership:
Unlocking Connections
and Opportunities
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.
Stay connected with the Italian business community!
Join the ItalCham WhatsApp Channel for the latest updates on exclusive events, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
Be the first to know. Be part of the network.
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.
Italian Republic Day
Festival 2026
Celebrate the spirit of Italy at the Italian Republic Day Festival
on Sunday, 7 June 2026, from 9am to 5pm!
Step into “la dolce vita” and enjoy a vibrant day filled with
authentic Italian flavours, culture, and entertainment for the whole family.
Indulge in over 20 Italian food stalls, sip on fine Italian wines, Prosecco, and Aperol Spritz in the lively garden, and explore more than 40 vendors offering fashion, leather goods, and unique gifts.
Motor enthusiasts can admire hundreds of iconic Italian cars and bikes, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and more,
while live Italian music sets the perfect atmosphere.
For a more exclusive experience, unwind in the new Illy Lounge,
offering shaded seating, complimentary drinks, and premium comfort overlooking the festival.
With dedicated kids’ play areas and a full day of entertainment, this is a celebration not to be missed.
Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the gate,
secure yours now and experience a true taste of Italy!
Italy-South Africa
Agricultural Business Forum
We are pleased to invite you to the Italy–South Africa Agricultural Business Forum, taking place on 9 June 2026 at 08:00 at the Westin Hotel, Cape Town, on the occasion of the official visit of the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry.
The forum will bring together Italian and South African companies, institutions, and industry stakeholders across the agri-food value chain, with dedicated B2B matchmaking opportunities throughout the day.
Key focus sectors include agri-food production, food processing & packaging, agricultural machinery & equipment, agri-tech, water management & sustainability, and innovation in fruit, horticulture, and livestock.
Participation is free of charge.
A draft programme is available on request.
If your company is interested in attending and engaging with the Italian delegation, please contact enquiries@italcham.co.za.
Call for Vendors:
Italy in Town 2026
Italy in Town is back! and this year, we’re taking it to an iconic new level!
📍 New Venue: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town
📅 Dates: 21–22 November 2026
We are seeking authentic Italian brands and products to be part of a vibrant weekend celebrating the very best of Italy — from traditional cuisine and artisanal goods to fashion, design, and lifestyle.
This is a unique opportunity to showcase genuine Italian excellence, connect with a diverse and engaged audience, and position your brand within one of Cape Town’s most anticipated cultural events.
If your offering reflects true Italian heritage, quality, and craftsmanship, we would love to hear from you.
Join us in bringing Italy to life in Cape Town.
For official updates and all the latest news around
the Italy in Town Festival, be sure to visit our
Italy in Town Facebook and Instagram pages,
by clicking the icons above.
Annual Directory 2026/2027 - Advertising Rates
.png)
Secure your company’s presence in the upcoming
2026/2027 ItalCham Annual Directory!
As the Chamber’s flagship publication, the Directory is distributed to members, partners, and key stakeholders and shared digitally throughout the year, giving your brand long-lasting visibility.
Booking Deadline: 12 June 2026
To confirm your placement in the 2026/2027 Annual Directory contact accounts@italcham.co.za
Break Into India’s Booming
Pet Market – PetBridge 2026
Early Bird Applications Now Open
%20(1).png)
25–26 November 2026 | Mumbai, India
PetBridge 2026 is India’s first fully B2B exhibition dedicated to the pet supplies industry and distribution — powered by Zoomark and BolognaFiere.
Positioned at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing pet markets, PetBridge offers South African companies direct access to a $3.6 billion industry expected to double by 2028.
Why exhibit?
✔ Connect with India’s most influential trade buyers through pre-scheduled B2B meetings
✔ Benefit from Zoomark’s international network
✔ Gain visibility within the dedicated International Hub
✔ Access tailored support services for international exhibitors
Early Bird discount (10% off) available until 31 May 2026.
For full information and participation details, please visit the ItalCham website.
Take Your Brand to Europe
at Zoomark 2027
Early Bird Rates Now Available
Recognised as Europe’s leading B2B platform for pet food and pet care, Zoomark 2027 brings together innovation, international buyers and key industry players under one roof.
With over 30,800 visitors and 1,260 exhibitors (2025 edition), Zoomark continues to expand its global reach — offering direct access to the European and international pet market.
Why exhibit?
✔ Access the European & global market
✔ Connect with decision-makers actively sourcing new products and partnerships
✔ Meet top global buyers through tailored matchmaking
Early Bird exhibition rates are available until 30 June 2026.
Discover how to participate and access full details below.
BLUEGATE
Simplified Logistics Zone & Strategic Gateway to
European Markets
Invitation-only online session (date to be confirmed)
An initiative by the Veneto Region, in collaboration with the Venice and Rovigo Chamber of Commerce and Venicepromex, inviting selected international investors to take part in a dedicated online session presenting the BLUEGATE Simplified Logistics Zone (SLZ) of the Port of Venice and Rodigino, in Northern Italy.
A strategic opportunity for South African companies looking to:
-
Access and expand into European markets
-
Develop international partnerships
-
Strengthen their position within global supply chains
ABOUT BLUEGATE
BLUEGATE is the Simplified Logistics Zone (SLZ) of the Port of Venice and Rodigino, located in Northern Italy, one of Europe’s most industrialised and economically dynamic regions.
It covers over 4,600 hectares of strategic industrial and logistics areas centred around the Port of Venice — a core node of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) — and is designed to act as a driver of regional economic growth.
The area benefits from a fully integrated multimodal infrastructure system, including ports, rail, road, airports and inland waterways, ensuring efficient connectivity to key European markets. It also includes a major industrial port hub currently undergoing significant redevelopment.
As part of a broader strategy to enhance industrial competitiveness and attract international investment, BLUEGATE positions Veneto as a strategic gateway between Europe and global markets.
BLUEGATE is supported by a structured regional development framework, reinforced by a recent regional law (2025) on investment attraction.
INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT & SUPPORT
BLUEGATE offers a highly structured and investor-oriented environment designed to facilitate investment and business development, including:
-
A Digital One-Stop Shop acting as a single-entry point for all administrative procedures
-
A Single Authorisation process, consolidating all permits into one coordinated procedure
-
A comprehensive Strategic Development Plan, providing access to funding programmes, investor support measures and initiatives supporting industrial growth and internationalisation
-
Dedicated support services for investors, including mentoring and after-care throughout the investment process
-
Structured investment agreements supporting new developments, expansions and industrial reconversion projects
The framework also provides access to a range of investment incentives and support measures, which may be available to companies establishing operations in the region. These can include tax credit schemes and other fiscal support measures.
This integrated approach significantly reduces complexity and provides a structured, long-term support framework for investors.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities are available across key sectors:
-
Logistics and supply chain
-
Advanced manufacturing and industrial production
-
Green economy and circular solutions
-
Energy-related value chains and industrial applications
Projects may include greenfield and brownfield investments, as well as industrial partnerships.
ONLINE INVESTOR SESSION
Selected investors will be invited to join an invitation-only online session to gain direct insights into the BLUEGATE SLZ and explore potential opportunities for collaboration.
The session will provide:
-
A strategic overview of the BLUEGATE project and its development framework
-
Direct interaction with Italian institutional stakeholders
-
An opportunity to assess potential investment fit and areas of collaboration
Participants demonstrating concrete interest may be considered for:
-
Follow-up one-to-one discussions
-
A potential site visit at a later stage
CONTACT
If you are interested in learning more or being considered for participation in the online session, please contact:
(+27) 82 778 7089
SEMA Rack Safety Awareness Training Course
CALLING ALL RACK USERS
ACROW is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the THIRD SEMA Rack Safety Awareness Training Course in South Africa in June 2026.
The training will be delivered in person by SEMA-approved trainers travelling from the UK
Course Details:
Dates: 9, 10, 11 and 12 June 2026 – ONE-DAY COURSE (Select ONE preferred day to attend)
Location: ACROW Training Facility, 37 Dekema Road, Wadeville, Germiston
Capacity: Limited places per day
Certification: SEMA Rack Safety Awareness Training Certificate issued to all successful delegates
Early Bird Cost: ZAR 13,200.00 per delegate (Book before 15 May 2026)
Normal Cost: ZAR 16,500.00 per delegate
Why Attend?
-
Gain internationally recognised rack safety competencies from SEMA-approved experts
-
Learn best practice in rack inspection, damage identification, and reporting
-
Reduce workplace risk and strengthen compliance with global safety standards
-
Benefit from UK-standard training delivered locally, avoiding international travel costs
-
Join a growing community of South African safety, warehouse, and logistics leaders committed to world-class safety
The previous two courses received exceptional feedback, with delegates highlighting the practical value, expert delivery, and relevance to real-world warehouse operations.
Due to this strong demand, places for June 2026 are expected to fill quickly.
Bookings Close: 29 May 2026
To register or request further information, please contact:
📧 daniela@acrow.co.za
📞 011 – 824 1527
Advanced Corporate Solutions:
The 4 Pillars for the Protection
of Intellectual Property
Join Our WhatsApp Channel!
Stay Connected! Join Our New WhatsApp Channel!
We’ve made staying in the loop easier (and faster) than ever!
Join our brand-new Italcham WhatsApp Channel to get instant updates
on upcoming events, exclusive news, and everything happening at ItalCham, all in one place.
Real-time updates and exciting opportunities you won’t want to miss!
Click the link or scan the QR code above to join now and be part of the updates!
job board
.png)
New Available Job Post:
Front of House Manager / Supervisor - The Woodlands Eatery - CPT
View 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
Alla prossima!