03 Feb 2026 The count-down has started for the 24th annual SAAFFI seminar!
The theme for this year’s event on March 19 in Jo’burg: TOOLKIT FOR THE FUTURE – Today’s innovators shaping tomorrow’s Flavours and Fragrances….
SAAFFI’s 2026 annual seminar is about technology, sustainability and human creativity — three forces 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,” says SAAFFI.
“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 SA 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 & workshop
This keynote will be 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!
When and where
The face-to-face. full-day event will be held on Thursday 19 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.
Sponsorship opps: Companies seeking to associate their name with this event can take advantage of sponsorship opportunities – promote your brand to a targeted audience!
SAAFFI’s executive director, Sharon Bolel sums 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 is renowned!) and brilliant opportunities for networking.”
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!
A video of the highlights of the 2025 seminar can be viewed here….
For more information contact: Peta at [email protected] or 011 786 2585 or https://saaffi.co.za/events/