Bringing the Global Blueberry Industry Together in Cape Town
By Brent Walsh, CEO of Berries ZA
IBO Summit 2025 – South Africa
Cape Town, 25th–27th September
On the 25th of September 2025, representatives of the global blueberry industry descended on Cape Town, South Africa, for the IBO Summit 2025. This year’s event was hosted on behalf of the South African blueberry industry by Berries ZA, a member country of the International Blueberry Organisation.
What better place to host a global event than at the iconic Cape Town International Convention Centre, overlooking the bustling V&A Waterfront and nestled at the foot of one of the New Natural Wonders of the World, Table Mountain. A proud moment to be South African and part of the blueberry industry.
A two-year planning programme provided for extensive engagement with both local and international role players in the industry. With commitment received from these partners, the roadmap was laid out to prepare a balanced but in-depth programme that challenged the industry to review, assess, and plan for the future. The South African flavour of the event provided some additional insights into our local production and value chain, and an opportunity to engage with our Southern African neighbours to discuss the opportunities within the region.
The event attracted 575 delegates representing 32 different countries, providing a truly international platform for meaningful engagement. Two days of plenary sessions included four keynote addresses and a good balance of panel discussions and presentations. Ample time was also provided for valuable networking sessions, facilitated by freshly pressed barista coffee.
After a truly African Gala Dinner experience on the 26th, the three-day event wrapped up with farm and packhouse visits across four sites close to Cape Town, showcasing our breathtaking environment and world-class facilities.
As the organising team, it was a remarkable journey to see the convergence of a competitive industry for the benefit of our global growth and relevance. It was a great honour that we at Berries ZA were entrusted with the mandate to present this significant event.
As we close out the event and wrap up from South Africa, thanks must be extended to all sponsorship partners who came on board, to the delegates for their participation, to the IBO Chairman Mario Steta and the IBO Board for their guidance and leadership, to the Berries ZA Board, and a special mention to the other and more significant half of the organising team, Elzette Schutte, Operations Manager of Berries ZA, for her tireless efforts to make this event the success that it was.
Thank you – Enkosi – Ngiyabonga – Baie Dankie
10-01-2025
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