Ecco Chamber
Fortnightly Italian news made in South Africa
II edition June 2026
ECOMONDO 2026
Green at the Core
ECOMONDO 2026
Hosted Buyers Programme
Join the Italian-South African Chamber’s hosted delegation to ECOMONDO 2026, Europe’s benchmark event for the green, blue and circular economy, organized by IEG – Italian Exhibition Group. Following the success of our 2023, 2024, and 2025 missions, we are now recruiting 10 South African companies to visit this premier international exhibition.
Here's what ECOMONDO 2025 looked like:
*1,850 exhibitors
*International operators from more than 122 countries
*750 international hosted buyers and delegates
*Over 240 conferences and workshops
Why Join?
ECOMONDO 2026 will showcase a renewed and expanded format with 6 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
ECOMONDO is the leading platform to meet key players in the green and circular economy and discover the latest sustainable technologies and solutions. The 2026 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-star 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 05 November 2026. 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 31 August 2026
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 83 325 7804 | WhatsApp: +27 83 325 7804
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.
ItalCham
Business Excellence Awards
Call for Nominations 2027
Following the success of the 2026 ItalCham Business Excellence Awards, we are pleased to open the first round of nominations for the 2027 edition.
The Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) continue to honour individuals and enterprises who embody excellence, innovation, and leadership within the Italian-South African business community.
At this stage, we are gathering early nominations and suggestions for professionals or companies you believe should be considered for recognition next year. This is a preliminary step to help us identify outstanding candidates.
As in previous years, all nominations received will be carefully reviewed by a professional and independent panel.
To submit a nomination, please complete the form by clicking the button below.
Assocamere Genova
35th Convention
A New Chapter for Italian Business in Africa & the Gulf
During the 35th Convention of the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad (CCIE) in Genoa, on the 13th of June, the New Africa & Gulf Area was officially established, bringing together Italian Chambers operating across Africa and the Gulf region to strengthen cooperation, promote investment opportunities, and support the international growth of Italian businesses.
The newly formed network includes Chambers in Angola, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Mozambique, Qatar, South Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, and soon Kenya and Jordan. We are proud that Simone Santi, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Mozambique, has been appointed President of the new Area.
The initiative will focus on strategic sectors such as energy, critical minerals, logistics, infrastructure, and industrial development, while supporting the objectives of the Mattei Plan through sustainable partnerships and business opportunities across the region.
A special acknowledgment goes to our Secretary General, Denise, whose commitment and dedication continue to support the growth of our Chamber and the strengthening of economic relations between Italy and Africa.
Together, we are building stronger bridges between Italy, Africa, and the Gulf, creating new opportunities for businesses and fostering long-term economic cooperation.
South African Buyers Participate in Agri-Food B2B Initiative in Vicenza
ItalCham was pleased to facilitate the participation of two South African buyers, Nicola Caricola of Sapori and Fabio Razzino of Good Food Merchant, in a specialised Agri-Food B2B Initiative held in Vicenza, Italy, on 18 June 2026.
Organised by Confartigianato Vicenza in collaboration with Made in Vicenza, the initiative brought together international buyers and selected producers from the Vicenza region, showcasing a diverse range of premium Italian agri-food products, including artisanal bakery products, wines, cheeses, cured meats, spirits, craft beer, organic products, and other specialty foods.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in targeted B2B meetings, explored potential sourcing opportunities, and established valuable connections with high-quality Italian producers. The event provided an excellent platform for fostering new commercial relationships and strengthening trade links between South Africa and Italy.
The Chamber looks forward to facilitating further sponsored buyer missions in the coming months, with upcoming opportunities planned in sectors including circular economy solutions, hospitality equipment, and renewable energy.
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Break Into India’s Booming
Pet Market – PetBridge 2026
Applications Now Open
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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
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.
Introducing Our New Member:
Fluiconnecto
Manuli Fluiconnecto (Pty) Ltd is a leading international service organization, wholly owned and supported by the Manuli Ryco Group. Fluiconnecto operates across five continents through a well-established network of OEM assembly plants, Hydroshop’s, on-site workshops, and service vans. We are specialists within the mining industry and currently service over 90 mines sites across 14 African countries through our on-site workshop facilities. As the dedicated retail and service arm of Manuli Ryco, we support major OEM brands and provide aftermarket solutions for both mobile and fixed plant applications.
We specialize in integrated solutions such as:
•Hydraulic hose and fittings
•Hydraulic hose assembly machinery
•Industrial fluid conveyance products
•Fire suppression systems
•Automatic lubrication systems
•Filtration management services
•Process automation
•Mining support equipment and services
Our offering combines world class products, extensive application expertise, and comprehensive maintenance services. Our commitment to end users is to effectively bring the manufacturer to their doorstep through tailored, value driven solutions delivered via a global network.
Our goal is simple: to keep your operations running smoothly, safely, and efficiently by minimising downtime and offering dependaple solutions.
Contact Info:
Address: 173 Kuschke Street, Meadowdale, Germiston,1601
Landline: +27 11 454 5155
Website: www.fluiconnecto.com
Regional Director: Retail Africa Ryan Staal
Commercial Manager: South Africa Hennie Roets
Customer Service Manager: Flavia Bovo
Introducing Our New Member:
Mendace
Mendace Properties was established in 2011 and specialises is the sale and leasing of industrial property, including factories, warehouses and facilitating of new developments in Johannesburg, predominantly on the East Rand. We are Master and Professional Practitioners in Real Estate with over 40 years of collective experience. We save you time and effort by sourcing the right property for you after conducting a needs analysis of your business and current premises, and then negotiating the best deal for you.
Contact Information:
Address: Stoneridge Office Park, Block C Ground Floor, 8 Greenstone Place, Greenstone, 1609
Director (MPRE): Sandro Mendace
Contact Number: (+27) 82 8998 304
Email address: sandro@mendace.com
Website: www.mendace.com
Join Our WhatsApp Channel!
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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!
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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!