Agri-Expo has been recognised with a top Industry Innovation Award at the 2026 Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards, organised by the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), held on Monday 1 June at Cape Town City Hall.
The agricultural society was named among 13 recipients across six categories, alongside innovations such as the Shoprite Group’s Sixty60 e-commerce delivery service and the V&A Waterfront’s Quay 7 superyacht marina development.
According to General Manager Breyton Milford, this recognition reflects Agri-Expo’s commitment to strengthening competitiveness through innovation, collaboration and sustainable industry development.
“This acknowledges the impact of our unique multi-platform model that brings together producers, industry, government and markets to create opportunities for growth across the agricultural value chain,” Milford says. “We are particularly proud that this award recognises both new initiatives and the continuous renewal of longstanding projects.”
Above: Breyton Milford (left), Agri-Expo General Manager, and Chris Fourie (right), Agri-Expo President, with the Western Cape Premier Alan Winde at the 2026 Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards
As Agri-Expo celebrates its 195th anniversary in 2026 – a remarkable milestone for an agricultural society founded in 1831 – this recognition is especially meaningful.
“The award highlights the organisation’s ability to honour its legacy while continuing to evolve in step with the needs of the agricultural sector. From the introduction of the Hollard Game Changer Award and the South African Preserve Championships to the ongoing evolution of the South African Dairy Championships and our support of agricultural shows, innovation remains at the heart of everything we do,” Milford says.
Above: Chris Fourie (left), Agri-Expo President, and Breyton Milford (right), Agri-Expo General Manager, with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis at the 2026 Western Cape Economy Innovation Awards.
Nominees were assessed against strict, results-based criteria, including measurable economic impact, practical innovation and the number of local businesses and employees directly benefiting from each initiative. The awards also highlight “systemic innovation” – the redesign of interconnected systems, supply chains and collaborative models that generate shared value across multiple stakeholders.
Above: Breyton Milford (left), Agri-Expo General Manager, and Chris Fourie (right), Agri-Expo President, with Agri Western Cape CEO Jannie Strydom and his wife, Karen Strydom.
As Agri-Expo prepares to host the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) in Cape Town from 1 to 5 November 2026 – the first time that the Mother City will host this prestigious event – Milford believes the award provides further encouragement to continue building partnerships that strengthen agriculture and rural economies, connecting people, industries and opportunities locally, across the African continent and around the world.
“For us, this award is ultimately about people – the producers, entrepreneurs, innovators, volunteers and communities who help drive agriculture forward every day,” he adds. “Thank you to Agri Western Cape for nominating us and for championing collaboration across the agricultural sector. We are proud to share this achievement with our members, partners and the broader agricultural community.”
For more information about Agri-Expo, visit agriexpo.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn using #AgriExpo and @AgriExpo1.
