Nordic House Cape Town

South Africa's plant-based food sector is evolving rapidly, presenting growing opportunities across retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and food innovation.

Some notable market insights:

- The market is now worth more than R10.5 billion and is growing at 10.5% annually.

- Vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian consumers now represent an estimated 10–12% of South Africa's consumer base.

- More than 80 plant-based milk products are available across mainstream retailers, making dairy alternatives the country's fastest-growing plant-based category.

- Convenience food consumption has increased by more than 33% since 2019, contributing to a 16.7% increase in plant-based main dishes on quick-service restaurant menus.

- Despite this momentum, only 31% of consumers are aware of the plant-based options available to them, highlighting a significant opportunity for stronger marketing and menu visibility.

At Nordic House, we are exploring how Nordic and South African businesses can collaborate to unlock opportunities in this fast-growing sector.

Contact us if you are curious to hear more: [email protected]

Access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers facing many food and beverage SMMEs. That is exactly where Cape Town's Food & Beverage Growth Coalition is making a difference.

Convened by the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) in partnership with the City of Cape Town and industry stakeholders, the coalition connects entrepreneurs with financiers, mentors, incubators and business support organisations, helping businesses become investment-ready and better positioned for sustainable growth.

By bringing together government, industry and the finance sector, initiatives like these are helping strengthen Cape Town's food and beverage ecosystem, create jobs and unlock opportunities for local businesses.

If you are building a food or beverage business, it is well worth exploring the support available through the Food & Beverage Growth Coalition.

Read more: https://www.investcapetown.com/en/news-articles/food-beverage-growth-coalition-connects-smmes-with-financiers/

Happy National Day Faroe Islands 🇫🇴

Europe and the Western Cape: a partnership that continues to create opportunities!
Wesgro's latest EU Regional Factsheet highlights the scale and strength of the relationship between Europe, South Africa and the Western Cape:

- The EU invested USD 19.9 billion across 448 projects in South Africa between 2015 and 2025, creating almost 40,000 jobs.

- More than 54% of that investment was directed towards renewable energy, reinforcing South Africa's role in the global energy transition.

- The Western Cape exported USD 2.41 billion worth of goods to the EU in 2024, a 14.7% increase on the previous year.

- The Netherlands remains the Western Cape's largest EU export market, while grapes, citrus and wine continue to showcase the province's agricultural strength.

The Nordic region continues to play an important role in this relationship, particularly in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation and investment.

At Nordic House, we look forward to continuing to strengthen connections between Nordic and South African businesses, creating opportunities that benefit both regions.

If you are a Nordic company or investor considering South Africa, or simply curious about the opportunities available, we would be delighted to start the conversation.

Contact us at: [email protected]

Source: Wesgro, European Union Regional Factsheet (February 2026).

Read more here -https://www.wesgro.co.za/uploads/files/Wesgro-Research_European-Union-Regional-Factsheet-2025_2026.02.pdf

South Africa has a way of surprising you!

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) have launched a great new campaign starring South African-born comedian and global television host Trevor Noah.

It is a great watch, and now there really is no question: book your trip and visit South Africa today!

Don’t say we didn’t tell you :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEvAWT2Hg9E

Tourism in South Africa | Trevor Noah: Don’t Say We Didn’t Tell You Remember when you asked about South Africa? It turns out the questi...

Cape Town's cruise industry is making waves.

The 2024/25 season was the city's biggest yet, welcoming 83 vessel calls (up from 67 the previous season), contributing R1.79 billion to the Western Cape economy and supporting more than 2,300 jobs.

At Nordic House, we celebrate initiatives that strengthen international connections, grow local businesses, and showcase the very best of Cape Town to the world. Tourism, trade and investment go hand in hand, and every new visitor creates opportunities that extend far beyond our shores.

Congratulations to Cruise Cape Town and all the partners helping position Cape Town as one of the world's leading cruise destinations.

(Images courtesy of Wesgro)

Today, South Africa celebrates Mandela Day on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, 18 July 1918, honouring his lifelong commitment to justice, dignity, reconciliation and service.

It is a day that reminds us that each of us has the power to make a difference through kindness, community and action.

Cape Town continues to prove why it is one of the world's leading business destinations.

For the 11th consecutive year, Cape Town has retained its position as Africa's leading convention destination in the latest 2025 ICCA rankings, hosting 55 international association meetings. Stellenbosch also ranked among Africa's top 10 convention destinations.

This is more than an accolade. It reflects a region that continues to attract global business, investment, innovation and talent through world-class infrastructure, research capabilities and strong public-private partnerships.

Congratulations to Wesgro, the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, and all the partners who continue to position our region on the global stage.

Find out more here: https://www.wesgro.co.za/corporate/news/2026/cape-town-retains-position-as-africas-leading-convention-destination-in-icca-2025-rankings =fc4934a6-eca8-4193-a921-2956c73d0000

(Images courtesy of the CTICC)

Another wonderful Nordic Second Thursday!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another fantastic evening of conversation, connection, and community.

One of the things we love most about these gatherings is the incredible mix of people they bring together. Every month is different, with fresh faces, familiar friends, diverse perspectives, and conversations that range from belly laughs and personal stories to big ideas, future collaborations, and everything in between.

That is exactly what Nordic Second Thursdays are all about: creating a welcoming space where meaningful relationships can grow, both professionally and personally.

Thank you for being part of our community. We are already looking forward to seeing you again next month!