South Africa is the third-most biologically diverse country in the world and its preservation is high on the government’s agenda. One of the industries/value chains identified as a priority sector is the essential and vegetable oils, based on its comparative advantage of seasonable supply, export potential, inclusiveness and environmentally sustainable characteristics.

Trade leads and market and marketing information used to be provided to members by circulars, but these have now been replaced with interactive website pages that are available to paid-up members who can login to the Members portal. For instance, the website includes a trade exchange functionality for members’ benefit, with a commission payable to SAEOPA.

The natural ingredients industry encompasses an extended value chain that has the potential of creating innumerable direct and indirect employment opportunities and uplifting entire communities. The value chain comprises propagation, cultivation, commercial and wild harvesting, processing and value-adding, testing, formulation, packaging, labelling, marketing and exporting.