At the recently concluded EMEASec 2026, industry leaders, law enforcement agencies, and technology experts convened to address the growing threat of illicit trade and counterfeiting, with a strong focus on South Africa’s alcohol sector.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Drinks Federation South Africa, Sola Oke, Managing Director at Pernod Ricard, highlighted the alarming rise in illicit alcohol across the country. According to him, illegal operators are exploiting price gaps of between 37% and 70%, placing unsuspecting consumers at significant risk.
Oke emphasized that the issue extends beyond economic losses, describing it as a broader societal challenge fueled by organized criminal networks. “This is not just about revenue leakage; it is about consumer safety and the integrity of the market,” he noted.
In response to the growing crisis, the federation has launched the Responsible Trade Task Force—an initiative aimed at fostering a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach to combat illicit trade. The task force seeks to unify efforts across public and private sector stakeholders, moving away from fragmented interventions toward a more collaborative framework.
Stakeholders at the conference underscored the need for collective action, stressing that illicit trade should not be viewed as a competitive concern among industry players, but rather a shared threat requiring joint solutions.
Organisers of EMEASec 2026 were also commended for facilitating dialogue and partnerships essential to strengthening legal trade systems and protecting markets from the dangers of counterfeiting and illegal distribution.