SAAFoST 2025

Returning to the vibrant heart of scientific innovation, the SAAFoST 2025 Congress unfolded at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, offering delegates a state-of-the-art setting for South Africa’s premier food science event. 

𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥: 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞”, set the stage for groundbreaking discussions and networking opportunities for food industry professionals, researchers, and students. 

Attendees from across Africa and around the globe gathered at CSIR, representing leading universities, top-tier research institutes, industry pioneers, and government agencies. The congress thrived as a dynamic hub for exchanging ideas, forging new collaborations, and celebrating breakthroughs in food science and technology. 

The opening ceremony radiated an atmosphere of optimism and ambition, setting the tone for an agenda packed with forward-thinking discussion and inspiring keynote addresses by renowned experts: 

Prof. Rikard Landberg delivered a visionary address exploring the evolution and future potential of functional foods, highlighting the scientific advances driving improved health outcomes through nutrition. 

Christine Tarantino-Dean spoke passionately about sustainable food production, emphasizing the integration of innovative processing methods and environmentally conscious supply chains to secure Africa’s food future. 

Dr. Joseph Abu captivated delegates with insights into food systems resilience, focusing on strategies to mitigate risks and enhance stability in a rapidly changing climate and global economy. 

Anthony Warner challenged conventional thinking with his keynote, “Rethinking Culinary Science,” investigating the intersections of gastronomy, consumer trends, and food technology, and advocating for creative approaches to nutrition and sustainability. 

We are thrilled to introduce our first speaker for 𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐅𝐨𝐒𝐓𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫, award-winning chef, renowned food writer, and the mind behind 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒇! 🔥 
 
Anthony has made it his mission to call out food misinformation and pseudoscience, cutting through the noise with facts, humour, and hard-hitting truths. His work has been featured in 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕, 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑮𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏, 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑻𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒉, and 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒚𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, and his 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒇 book series has been translated into 15 languages! 
 
At SAAFoST , he challenged how we think about food, health, and sustainability—because the best food choices must also be the most 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬!  
These keynote presentations, delivered in the inspiring surroundings of CSIR, shaped the thematic direction for the congress. They sparked vibrant dialogue among attendees and ignited new opportunities for research and partnership, promising a transformative chapter in the evolution of food science across the continent. 

Poster Presentations and Student Engagement 

The poster hall buzzed with energy as students and early-career researchers presented their projects on topics such as food allergy detection, edible packaging, and the nutritional analysis of indigenous crops. Judging panels praised the creativity and rigor of the work, and several awards were distributed during the closing ceremony. SAAFoST’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent was evident in mentorship programs and interactive workshops designed to equip students with practical skills and industry insights. 

Industry Exhibitions: Showcasing Products and Partnerships 

The exhibition space provided a platform for companies to display their latest products, technologies, and services. Attendees sampled new food formulations, tested laboratory equipment, and engaged with suppliers. Many organizations used the congress as a launchpad for new collaborations and business initiatives, reinforcing the event’s role as a catalyst for industry growth. 

Networking and Social Events 

Beyond the sessions, the congress featured a series of networking receptions, gala dinners, and social activities. Delegates forged lasting connections, exchanged ideas in informal settings, and celebrated the achievements of their peers. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared purpose, underscoring SAAFoST’s role as a unifying force within the South African food science community. 

Key Takeaways and Future Directions 

The SAAFoST congress concluded with reflections on the week’s accomplishments and a forward-looking perspective. Delegates left with renewed inspiration, practical knowledge, and new partnerships. The event reiterated the importance of food science in shaping a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future for South Africa and beyond. 

As the food sector continues to evolve in response to global and local challenges, the SAAFoST congress stands as a beacon of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Participants are already looking ahead to next year’s event, eager to build on the momentum and drive progress in what is surely one of the most vital fields of our time.