Famous Brands, Africa’s leading branded food services franchisor, has opened its first Steers and Debonairs Pizza combo restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This opening follows the conclusion of master licence agreements with Mesra Retail & Café Sdn Bhd (MESRA), a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB). The agreements grant MESRA exclusive rights to
South Africa — Parents and caregivers across South Africa are being urged to carefully check specific infant formula products following a recall that has raised concerns about the potential presence of cereulide, a toxin that can pose health risks to babies if consumed. The recall applies to selected batches of SMA infant formula and SMA follow-on
Surge in national egg output brings relief to consumers while straining poultry farmers financially. EGYPT – Egg prices in Egypt have fallen sharply in recent months, with some markets reporting a decline of nearly 35 percent, prompting concern among poultry producers. The drop comes amid a surge in domestic egg production, as newly operational farms
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court ruling that had challenged the legality of anti-dumping duties on imported frozen bone-in chicken, offering clarity for domestic producers. The original duties targeted imports from Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, which were being sold in South Africa at prices
Tolaram Pte. Ltd. (“Tolaram”) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyota Tsusho Corporation (“Toyota Tsusho”) to explore a strategic partnership focused on Africa’s consumer and infrastructure sectors. Tolaram, with nearly five decades of presence in Africa, has significant investments in the manufacture and distribution of consumer goods as well as
ATLANTA & ZUG, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Coca-Cola Company and Gutsche Family Investments have agreed to sell a 75% controlling interest in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Pty. Ltd. to Coca-Cola HBC AG, the companies announced today. CCBA is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Africa. It operates in 14 countries on the continent and accounts for about 40% of
Checkers continues to expand its footprint in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, with its long-awaited supermarket opening in Cavendish Square last week. The store offers a wide range of in-store departments including a meat market with free-range chicken and restaurant-quality steak, hot & cold foods deli, bakery with artisan breads, the freshest fruit & vegetables, Money Market
Pick n Pay today announced its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 31 August 2025 (H1 FY26), reflecting steady progress on its turnaround. The Group’s core Pick n Pay supermarket segment continued its recovery journey, while Boxer delivered outstanding results, achieving a market-leading 13.9% turnover growth, further cementing its position as South Africa’s leading
Boxer has officially opened its newest and seventh Distribution Centre (DC) in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, marking another major step forward in the company’s fast-growing national supply chain network. Co-owned 50/50 with long-standing property development partners JT Ross Property Group, the 32,000 square metre Boxer Tongaat DC stands as a testament to strategic collaboration, operational excellence, and
58 Years, 320 Parties, 10 000 Sparks of Joy – Spur’s Big Birthday Bash Johannesburg, South Africa – On 22 October 2025, South Africa will celebrate not just the 58th birthday of Spur, but a remarkable and heartwarming national movement dedicated to spreading joy far and wide. For nearly six decades, Spur has been synonymous
Johannesburg – JSE-listed consumer packaged goods company Premier Group (“Premier”) has announced plans to acquire food producer RFG Holdings through a share swap that will see RFG shareholders collectively owning approximately 22.5% of the enlarged Premier Group. RFG shareholders will be offered one Premier share for every seven RFG shares held. This represents a premium
Cross Switch, a global payments technology company, has found a strategic collaborator in its mission to bring faster, smarter, and more scalable payments to emerging markets. In partnership with South African fintech leader Paysoft, these two forward-thinking platforms are joining forces to swing the axe against digital transaction logjams that hamper South African businesses. Be
Pick n Pay has launched a powerful new app that brings together its on-demand delivery service asap!, Smart Shopper loyalty programme, and value-added services into a single, next-generation platform. This is the retailer’s most significant digital milestone since launching asap!. The asap! back-end and front-end technology has been completely re-platformed over the past 18 months, resulting
A report commissioned by the Shoprite Group reveals the critical need for targeted support for female entrepreneurs and improved access to markets and resources in underrepresented regions of South Africa’s Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector. World Wide Worx conducted the research via a survey, which gathered insights from 800 SMME owners nationwide. It
iKhokha, the fintech company dedicated to fostering growth for South African small businesses amid challenging macroeconomic conditions, hosted its first iKhokha Elevate event in Durban on Wednesday, 12 March. The event, which saw hundreds of merchants attending in person and thousands more joining online, centered around discussing the challenges and successes of small businesses. It
Africa’s biggest bank and Africa’s biggest retailer have teamed up to offer customers Africa’s biggest grocery rewards. This comes as the Shoprite Group doubles down on transparent partnerships that offer shoppers real value. From April 2025, qualifying Standard Bank UCount Rewards members will receive the following benefits on every product, every day: The Standard Bank
FNB and Pick n Pay are proud to announce the expansion of their partnership to add more value for all their FNB and RMB Private Bank’s customers. The bank’s retail and commercial customers will all earn up to 30% of their spend back in eBucks when using Pick n Pay’s asap! on-demand delivery service, and up
Jumia, the leading Africa e-commerce platform, has chosen the state-of-the-art Agility Logistics Park (ALP) in Tema, Ghana, to be its new nationwide fulfilment operations centre for Ghana. Jumia will occupy 6,000 SQM of warehousing at the park, using the facility for storage, fulfilment and office space under a 10-year lease agreement with ALP. The facility
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has invested $50 million in a new bottling line in Namibia, which can produce 27,000 bottles per hour. This upgrade will increase the plant’s output capacity by 30% and stimulate growth throughout the company’s value chain. The investment also includes the installation of a water treatment plant with state-of-the-art water recovery
Unitrans has witnessed firsthand how technology has drastically transformed our lives and work. In logistics, this transformation enables deeper insights, enhanced decision-making, and greater operational efficiency. It is no longer a mere trend but an essential tool for companies seeking to boost productivity and remain competitive in challenging economic climates. At Unitrans, successful innovation means
Kinola Pather, CEO of Randgo Royalty rewards programmes are becoming essential, with 76% of South Africans participating in them, prompting brands to leverage this opportunity for customer engagement and business growth. As technology evolves, these programmes have grown in sophistication, with the most successful offering real-time rewards and personalised experiences. Given the vast amount of
redPanda Software and Loyal Guru partner to bring global best practice to South Africa Modern retail strategies focus on customer attraction and retention, which are crucial as consumer behaviour shifts. Increased options and ongoing financial distress among South African consumers highlight the need for retailers to adapt to what customers want and need, according to
By Junaid Kleinschmidt, digital marketing strategy and intelligence lead for Accenture, Africa The South African retail landscape is contending with a range of challenges, such as high unemployment, severe inflation, shrinkflation, and the lingering effects of Covid-19. These pressures have transformed consumer expectations and added layers of complexity to their shopping decisions. Retailers must now
South Africa’s e-commerce landscape has arrived at an important juncture. The explosive growth observed during the pandemic years has slowed down somewhat and consumer spending power has faltered amid low economic growth and a global cost of living crisis. At the same time, competition is heating up. Asian retailers such as Shein and Temu are
It was much heralded, and now that is has arrived, it is fair to say that it more than lives up to the advertising. The Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) will host this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS), for four days, ending on the 6th. A look around the stalls at the Convention centre, leaves
Olam Agri, a global leader in food and agriculture, is set to transform the pasta market in Ghana with the construction of a new state-of-the-art pasta production facility and the expansion of its wheat flour production capacity. The facility is planned in two phases, and when completed will have the volume capacity potential to meet
LG Electronics South Africa recently took a giant leap into the future of shopping with their online store which will forever change how South Africans buy their favourite tech. This is not just another e-commerce site—it is a bold move, changing the digital landscape and marking a new chapter in LG’s South African journey, says
South African retail has experienced profound transformation over the past few years, with digital platforms and ecommerce reshaping consumer expectations. However, we are just in the earliest phases of digital transformation and SME retailers will need to be agile to keep up with emerging customer demands and new competitors. Steven Heilbron, CEO of Capital Connect,
In a landscape where economic pressures weigh heavily on household budgets, South African consumers are setting a global precedent in their approach to value, particularly when it comes to their beverage choices. According to the latest findings from CGA by NIQ, a remarkable 51% of South African consumers now prioritise value over price in their
Mzansi’s most preferred noodle brand, MAGGI, as recognised by the Ask Afrika Icon Awards, is set to elevate South African kitchens with its latest campaign, “Cook the Difference!” Unveiled at an exclusive media luncheon on 25 July, VIP media guests experienced the brand’s magic and versatility. MAGGI showcased its potential to be both a complete
As the pace of digital adoption increases in our country, more and more South Africans are browsing and shopping online to ensure they get the best prices. In light of this rise in comparative shopping behaviour and the current challenging consumer environment, Makro has redoubled its efforts to help customers save money so they can
Backed by 20 years of tech expertise, leading IT solutions provider Braintree has seen their retail turnover increase by 1,200% since launching their e-commerce offering two years ago. With the objective of supporting business professionals in both home and office environments, Braintree brings to the tech e-commerce market over 3 000 premium products across 30
Smollan, a leading global retail specialist representing some of the world’s loved brands, has officially entered into a Capital and Business Alliance Agreement with Impact HD Inc. a prominent Japanese company specializing in sales promotion and data marketing. The alliance aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to create enhanced value and develop innovative
The cost of living remains challenging for South African consumers many of whom are hard pressed to meet monthly expenses for basic food items. This situation is typically exacerbated in winter where people need to consume more calories. Consistent with its objective to ‘help customers to save money and live better’, Massmart continues its drive
by Blessed Hwaire, Industry Advisor: Consumer Products, Life Sciences & Retail at SAP Africa A wave of AI-powered innovation is set to sweep across Africa’s retail sector. With a unique landscape marked by diverse consumer needs, a burgeoning youth population, growing levels of technology adoption, and a rapidly changing economic environment, Africa’s retail sector is
Business interruption is the primary concern for the retail and wholesale sector in 2024, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. It is followed by Natural catastrophes (31%), Cyber incidents (25%), Fire, explosion, and Macroeconomic developments (both with 20%). The report, based on insights from over 3,000 risk management professionals and business leaders, highlights the growing
By Thomas Kingombe, Managing Director and Partner and Vishakha Chopra, Project Leader, BCG Johannesburg As global e-commerce giants like Amazon, Shein and Temu set their sights on South Africa’s growing e-commerce space, local retailers may find themselves feeling the pinch. Will South African stalwarts rise to the challenge, or crumble faced with international competition? Although
InstaPay, a cutting-edge new merchant application, has been launched to transform the payments landscape in South Africa. This innovative solution offers unique functionality and competitive rates that surpass traditional card providers, setting a new standard in the industry. InstaPay is the result of combined expertise and technology between Omnea and Amber Pay, two industry leaders
As shopper behaviours evolve, brands and retailers are working hard to catch up, using tools to connect with a new generation of increasingly demanding and informed shoppers. South African shoppers are not what they used to be. They’re tougher, savvier, and more in tune with what they are looking for. A combination of COVID and
Reaching any midpoint, whether it’s to catch one’s breath on a ultra-marathon to gear up for the next stretch, or a project team reflecting on their progress and making necessary modifications – it’s all about positioning for success. So too a mid-year retail check-in offers valuable insights into some of the latest developments shaping how
The rising cost of living is significantly straining South African consumers’ budgets, with food expenses alone exhausting approximately one-third of their income. In response, The SPAR Group has announced its ‘R1 Billion in Savings’ shopper promotion, exclusive to SPAR Rewards customers. Until 22 July, the promotion aims to provide significant financial relief to consumers struggling
South Africa’s Information Regulator recently revealed that it receives more than 150 monthly data breach notifications – a considerable increase from last year’s average of 56. Hackers are doing the country’s already battling economy no favours: the 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, produced by the Poneman Institute and published by IBM Security, states
Artificial Intelligence hasn’t just transformed our world but is also profoundly affecting market research by revolutionising how companies understand and predict consumer behaviour. This was the view of Ipsos Global Head of Product Testing Dr Nikolai Reynolds during a recent visit to South African clients and agencies, where he shared groundbreaking insights on using AI
The current economic climate presents slowing growth, characterised by high inflationary pressure, increasing costs of property rates, the lack of delivery of basic utilities such as electricity and water, as well as consumer pressure. Notwithstanding the challenging environment, L2D’s assets continue to stand out. L2D’s retail assets delivered market leading trading performance, recording portfolio trading
Investing in solar power was a strategic decision taken by Liberty Two Degrees (L2D), as it provides a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. L2D’s sustainability strategy includes the reduction of its reliance on the grid, which has improved operating efficiencies. L2D has made significant investments in renewable energy as part of
Omnisient, the global leader in privacy-preserving data collaboration, was recognised at the Africa Bank Summit held in Nairobi this week for the impact it is having on growing financial inclusion in Africa. This accolade highlights a groundbreaking initiative that has enabled banks to assess credit risk and qualify millions of previously underserved individuals by analysing
Africa’s high mobile penetration rates as well as its young population have contributed to the continent’s positive response to digital marketplaces and on-demand services. Several notable marketplaces that have grown exponentially on the continent include Nigeria’s Jumia, South Africa’s Takealot and the international e-hailing service Uber. This year, the continent sees the arrival of new
Fair Cape Dairies, a leader in sustainable and ethical dairy farming, has once again emerged victorious at the prestigious South African Dairy Championships, solidifying their position as a Champion of quality dairy products across South Africa. The 2024 competition saw Fair Cape Dairies securing the most wins across various categories, a testament to their unwavering
After the long-awaited soft launch of Amazon, many local brands will be accelerating their e-commerce strategies. However, too few brands have properly considered how to include a solid retail media strategy to support their efforts. And, with 74% of global consumers starting their buyer’s journey on the Amazon platform, this oversight could end up hurting
Engen, a leading energy and solutions partner dedicated to enriching lives for a sustainable future, will again proudly partner with Grain SA as a sponsor of the Nampo Harvest Day 2024. Scheduled to run from 14-17 May 2024 in Bothaville in the Free State, Nampo Harvest Day showcases agricultural innovation, aligning perfectly with Engen’s mission
