Toolkit For The Future – Today’s innovators shaping tomorrow’s Flavours and Fragrances
The count-down has started for the 24th annual SAAFFI seminar!
SAAFFI’s 2026 annual seminar positions itself squarely at the intersection of technology, sustainability and human creativity—three forces increasingly defining the future of the flavours and fragrances industry.
By framing AI, biotechnology and consumer-driven innovation as an integrated “toolkit”, the programme reflects a clear shift away from linear, trial-and-error development toward more agile, data-informed and ethically grounded innovation models.
Notably, the seminar balances global insight with regional relevance. Contributions from international industry leaders are complemented by African voices in green chemistry, economics and AI, as well as perspectives from local small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs.
This mix reinforces the growing recognition that sustainability and innovation must be contextual, inclusive and locally anchored to be truly effective.
Now in its 24th year, the SAAFFI seminar continues to serve as a predictive event for the South African flavour and fragrance sector, offering both strategic foresight and practical engagement.
Its emphasis on collaboration, skills development and future-focused leadership underscores the role of industry bodies in helping members navigate rapid technological change while maintaining the human connection at the heart of sensory science.
The final keynote address, by James Maisiri, Researcher | Author | 3× TEDx Speaker | Professional Speaker | Thought Leader on AI, African Labour Markets & Culture, is entitled “If Africa does not shape AI, AI will shape Africa”. This presentation is a must for all leaders, thinkers, employers, employees, and people with forward-focussed vision.
The hands-on Workshop will invite participants to explore and work on project with relevance to the industry. Future This session is sure to leave all participants informed, motivated and challenged (and even a little entertained!). Prizes for the best team always add to the fun!
The face-to-face full-day event will be held on Thursday 19th March 2026 at The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Illovo, Johannesburg
For 24 years, the annual SAAFFI seminar has drawn around 200 professionals from the flavour and fragrance industry, FMCG companies, academia, consulting, regulation, and supply sectors.
The event is a key learning and networking opportunity for those in management, sales, marketing, technical roles, procurement, R&D, operations, and tertiary education.
Organisations seeking to associate their name with this iconic event can take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, all of which offer opportunities for promotion and visibility of your brand to a targeted audience.
SAAFFI’s executive director, Sharon Bolel summed up the event: “The energetic, inspired organising committee has again put together a programme which incorporates world-class speakers, an interactive workshop (for which the SAAFFI seminar has become renowned!) and brilliant opportunities for expanding one’s network.”
SAAFFI, the South African Association of the Flavour & Fragrance Industry, represents all aspects of the flavour, fragrance and allied industries. It unites the industry across non-competitive issues, freeing up individual organisations to grow their business.
And an added incentive to attend…a bumper goody bag for each delegate!
For more
A video of the highlights of the 2025 seminar can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/GmavR_S_gQ8
For more information contact Peta at [email protected] or 011 786 2585 or https://saaffi.co.za/events/
