Despite global volatility, supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer behaviour, Bühler Southern Africa ends 2025 with solid momentum, underpinned by sustained investment in local manufacturing, skills development, automation and sustainability across its food and mining businesses.
According to Bühler Southern Africa’s Managing Director Marco Sutter, the region’s ability to adapt has been key to maintaining growth and resilience. “The past few years have taught us that the ability to adapt quickly is essential. We still develop long-term strategies but the pace at which we execute them needs to respond to the realities of the market. Fortunately, Southern Africa remains a growing and dynamic region with both challenges and significant opportunities.”
Climate change, rising input costs and evolving diets are reshaping food production across Africa. A notable shift from maize to wheat-based foods is emerging as consumers respond to fluctuating maize quality and pricing. At the same time, growing demand for pasta and increased localisation of processing capacity are opening new opportunities for investment. “We have seen a strong wave of demand for locally produced pasta. Many countries want to move away from imports and establish their own processing capabilities. West Africa is experiencing similar momentum in cacao, where countries are increasingly investing in roasting, grinding and chocolate production instead of exporting raw beans,” stated Sutter.
Extreme weather patterns are also increasing food safety risks, with higher exposure to aflatoxins and mycotoxins driving demand for Bühler’s advanced sorting, detection and traceability technologies. While infrastructure constraints remain a challenge, African producers are increasingly turning to automation and digital solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. Bühler continues to support this transition through SCADA systems, cloud-based MES platforms and autonomous milling technologies. Sutter added, “Automation does not replace jobs. It changes them. We will always need people with the skills to interpret data, manage systems and make informed decisions. This is why our apprenticeship and skills development programmes are so important for the future of the industry.” Beyond food processing, Bühler’s mining business remains a stable and growing market, supplying critical equipment, spare parts and upgrades to mines operating in tough conditions.
“Our customers trust our equipment to perform under demanding conditions. Unplanned breakdowns can be extremely costly, so superior quality and strong after sales service make a measurable difference,” noted Sutter. South Africa continues to anchor Bühler’s regional operations, serving markets including Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and the Indian Ocean islands. In 2025, Bühler further invested in its local manufacturing facility, upgrading laser welding technology, vertical storage systems and plant efficiency and safety.
“South Africa has a strong base of technical skills, especially in manufacturing and fabrication. It will remain one of our key hubs on the continent. Investment is essential. If you stop investing, you fall behind. We are committed to maintaining world-class standards and expanding our capabilities,” said Sutter. Bühler’s sustainability strategy continues to focus on reducing waste, water and energy use across value chains. Since 2019, it has achieved or exceeded its targets in 11 out of 15 value chains. “Climate change is no longer a future scenario. It is already affecting crop quality, food safety and global markets. Our responsibility is to provide technologies that make food production safer and more resource efficient,” stressed Sutter.
Locally, Bühler has expanded solar power installations in Johannesburg and Cape Town and is doubling its solar and battery capacity to enable off-grid night shifts in Johannesburg. The company is also implementing a 60,000-litre grey water system to mitigate the impact of declining municipal water infrastructure. “These initiatives reduce our environmental footprint, but they also make us more resilient as a business,” added Sutter. Bühler strengthened its industry partnerships through global and regional engagement including hosting international and local customer networking events and expanding its presence into new markets such as Madagascar. In October 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Bühler’s headquarters in Switzerland, highlighting the importance of skills development and apprenticeship programmes for South Africa’s long-term industrial growth.
Despite continued uncertainty around climate risks, political developments and global markets, Bühler Southern Africa remains cautiously optimistic. “We cannot control the external environment, but we can continue strengthening our people, our capabilities and our partnerships. Our focus for 2026 is to build on the foundations we have laid, support our customers as markets evolve and ensure that our teams are skilled, prepared and excited for the future,” concluded Sutter. As Bühler Southern Africa moves into 2026, it is positioned as a resilient regional player, driving food system innovation, sustainable manufacturing and long-term industrial capability across the continent.
