JOHANNESBURG, May 15 (Xinhua) -- A total of 23 South African companies from the agro-processing sector will take part in the SIAL China international trade fair for food in Shanghai.

The trade fair will take place from May 16 to 18. South Africa's minister of trade and industry, Rob Davies, said the exhibition is the best platform for South African companies to gain exposure in the Asian region.

"China ranks as the largest consumer of food and beverages with an estimated value of over one trillion Euros. It is projected to grow rapidly over the next two-decades.

"The rising levels of Chinese disposable income, increases in retail sales of consumer goods and remarkable growth for South African products such as wines put us in a unique position to make inroads into this lucrative market," said Davies.

Davies said by taking part in the trade fair South African companies will establish contacts with food manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers and retailers.

Davies added, "SIAL China will offer our businesspeople with a unique opportunity to meeting market leaders of the food, beverage and hospitality industry in China. They will establish new contacts and identify suppliers and business partners. The accompanying conference will also cover knowledge and information exchange between industry experts on current issues, trends and future prospects."