The World Union of Wholesale Markets represents 189 wholesale markets in 49 countries, and this week their conference was held in Johannesburg, home to one of the biggest in the world and crucial to food security throughout the region.

Food security is the principle on which WUWM was founded. In his opening address, president of the organization and CEO of France’s Rungis market Stéphane Layani (right) remarked that he hoped the work done by WUWM would feed into the G20, chaired by South Africa at the moment, ensuring that the role of wholesale markets in securing food systems is recognized.

The organization is a critical platform to advance the thinking on how to modernize wholesale and food distribution systems, Layani said. “These systems form the backbone of local, regional, and global food security.

“We are at a crossroads. The world’s growing population and the accelerating impact of climate change demand that we rethink, redesign, and reinforce the way our food systems operate. Climate change is having a powerful impact. It is not a distant concern, it is already disrupting the food chain in very real ways.”

A dancer at the opening of the WUWM conference in Johannesburg

“The concept of food sovereignty – souveraineté alimentaire – has taken centre stage, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. These events exposed the risks and consequences of disrupting the food chain.

Layani continued: “Ensuring food security isn’t just about local production. It also means trade between regions and nations without tariffs. This trade support balanced diverse diets that need the evolving needs of consumers.”

Enough climate change evidence to convince reasonable people
Layani emphasized that sustainability at every step was no longer optional.

This view was echoed by, among others, Dr. Babagana Ahmadu of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, who remarked that there was by now more than enough evidence to convince reasonable people of the existence of climate change and by Dr Yolandi Ernst (right) of the University of the Witwatersrand, who told delegates that models predict Southern Africa will be warming at twice the global rate.

Conference-goers heard of the necessity of adapting climate-smart agricultural practices, curbing food waste, and reducing emissions, keeping in mind that post-production sectors like transport and packaging emit at a heavier rate than primary production.

Wholesale markets are powerful engines of employment, especially for young people and women, Layani continued, as demonstrated by the markets in South Africa. “Wholesale markets are the foundation for a stronger, fairer and more resilient food system.”

FreshPlaza will publish a photo report of the WUWM Johannesburg conference on Monday.

WUWM welcomes delegates to the Brussels conference from 5 to 7 November 2025

https://wuwm.org/