The Shoprite Group’s customers can now pay for groceries with their phones as the retailer continues to find new ways to keep its stores, customers and employees safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the first South African food retailer to offer dynamic QR payments which will be available at the tills in all Shoprite, Usave, Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores
Zambeef’s Zamshu shoe division is using its stitching expertise to make thousands of face masks to help protect people from the COVID-19 disease. The company has bought more than K100,000 of fabric and is aiming to make 25,000 protective masks over the next eight weeks. “COVID-19 has affected all sectors of our society; businesses, institutions
Customers can download the Mr D Food app, phone their MediRite pharmacy, place an order and pay for it via EFT or medical aid. MediRite will process the order and customers can then order their delivery on the app to receive their medicine at home. The initiative will be rolled out initially across 55 of the
In keeping with its famous motto, Zambeef has vowed to continue feeding the nation, despite the Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) outbreak. The country’s largest food producer and retailer continues to stand true to its mission despite the COVID-19 pandemic that is adversely impacting the manufacturing sector in Zambia and beyond. The viral disease is threatening the
SPAR’s core values incorporate family, community, and the ability to inspire people to do and be more. Here, we share just three examples of community support in South Africa given by independent SPAR retailers in response to challenging circumstances of the national lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Support for orphaned children in
In light of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the retail sector is facing unprecedented challenges, as is every other industry to a greater or lesser degree. However, ScanZone, a technology supplier to the industry, believes that the current slowdown may be a window of opportunity for retailers to retrospectively look at their journey into e-commerce platforms.
South Africa can expect significant growth in contactless payments on the back of Covid-19. It is also likely that the public’s newfound (and sensible) aversion to contact will spur additional innovation, especially given the uncertainty around second and third waves, says South Africa’s largest payment solution provider, DPO SA. “There is no doubt that an
Fair Cape Dairies is delighted to announce that it has won seven Qualité Awards at this year’s South African National Dairy Championships. A Qualité Award is a symbol of outstanding quality for dairy products which is only awarded to South African Dairy Champions which have obtained a specific minimum point on the international scorecard. The Fair
As Dis-Chem Pharmacies are part of the essential services available to South Africans during the lockdown period, its employees are placed under additional pressure to ensure that shelves remain fully stocked and that its stores and staff uphold stringent health and hygiene measures. To strengthen current health and safety measures, all employees are being offered
Massmart announces a price freeze in all our Makro, Cambridge Food, Game and Cash & Carry stores for the duration of the 21-day nationwide lockdown. This will involve suspending price adjustments that were scheduled, as part of the normal course of business, before the lockdown was announced. Fresh produce, which is procured daily from fresh
RFG increased turnover by 7.6% for the five months to February 2020 as the group’s regional business lifted sales by 9.3% while international turnover declined by 1.7% owing to a marked slowdown in exports to China following the outbreak of COVID-19. Regional fresh foods turnover increased by 15.9% for the five months, with the performance
Shareholders have approved the change of the listed holding company’s name from Rhodes Food Group Holdings to RFG Holdings. CEO Bruce Henderson said the objective of adopting the name RFG is to create an identity and branding for the holding company which is distinct from the main operating subsidiary, Rhodes Food Group, and the group’s
The Board of Directors and management of Famous Brands have been vigilantly monitoring the Covid19 situation since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020. Across all our trading jurisdictions, we fully endorse the various governments’ decisive actions to contain the spread and impact
The impact of the Coronavirus on Tiger Brands’ manufacturing capability has been minimal thus far. We are monitoring the spread of the virus and its impact very closely, and at this stage, we do not believe that there is a major threat to the availability of food in the country or our ability to produce
The Edcon Group has announced, following the President’s first announcement on Sunday, 15 March, that Edcon’s turnover has declined 45% in comparison to the same period last year and will be R400m below forecast for sales and cash for the month of March – when COVID-19 started to profoundly impact the South African economy. The
In response to government’s call on citizens to refrain from excessive purchasing and stockpiling goods as it intensifies its efforts to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19), Dis-Chem Pharmacies has advised that it will be limiting the number of items consumers can purchase. With immediate effect, shoppers will be able to purchase a maximum of six units
“Feeling the Pinch? Buy a Business” is possibly one of the most juxtaposing statements off the back of a dismal 2019 GDP performance, the Rand’s current position, consistent rolling blackouts and now, coronavirus having hit South African shores. Yet, when asked to repeat himself, Sean Stegmann – CEO of SA’s largest second-hand retailer, Cash Crusaders
The Shoprite Group is committed to adhere to the strict measures put in place by the South African government following President Cyril Rhamaphosa’s announcement of a National state of Disaster, and are following any directives to stay abreast of information and required actions to be taken in relation to the effect of Covid-19 on its
Spur Corporation thanks you for the trust we know you place in us every time you choose to dine at our restaurants. These are unprecedented times for our industry, our country and the world. We would like to reassure our patrons that, their safety, health and wellbeing of all is our priority, and we are
With growing trends in digital evolution, personalisation and having a socio-economic impact, financial services cards and payment solutions have to evolve beyond swipes and complicated rewards. Iemas Financial Services has been in the game for over 80 years and has grown into the largest financial services co-operative in South Africa. One of Iemas’ flagship products
The Competition Tribunal has issued an order, giving approval to PepsiCo Inc.’s (“PepsiCo”) indirect acquisition of Pioneer Food Group Limited (“Pioneer”), through PepsiCo’s South African subsidiary, Simba (Pty) Ltd. The merger, one of PepsiCo’s largest acquisitions outside the US, is subject to several public interest conditions. It is also the first major transaction in which
In the interim, shareholders are provided with the following brief voluntary performance update on the business. This update pertains to the 52 weeks ended 29 February 2020 for the Group’s South Africa (“SA”) and rest of Africa and Middle East (“AME”) regions. The United Kingdom (“UK”) operation narrative relates to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen Restaurants
Rhodes Food Group is the second local supplier on Massmart’s new export programme to get listed with Walmart US. The South African based canned food company will be supplying Walmart US with an initial order of three canned pear variations. These include premium export quality 425 gram cans of pear slices in heavy syrup, 425gram
The Shoprite Group’s Portfolio Management Office (PMO) will represent South Africa at the 2020 Global PMO Awards after beating other top SA companies to take home the 2019 PMO of the Year Award. This annual competition is hosted by Project Management SA (PMSA), the industry body that represents the interests of project management professionals, and recognises the best resources,
The Mozambik Group today launches its “Holidays by Mozambik” travel brand in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The restaurant group, which has seen growth circa 29% over the past 18 months, has embarked on a significant brand expansion charge in a strategic move toward customer lifestyle-centric value. Initially the brand will focus on value-driven escapes to
SAITEX, one of Africa’s largest and most well established trade exhibitions, will be back at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg for its 27th run from 21 – 23 June 2020. The hugely successful multi-sector trade show offers importers and exporters a unique opportunity to find new trade opportunities across Africa and abroad. Staged as part
The world of entertainment is changing rapidly. Increased access to fibre to the home, as well as a growing number of content creators and video-on-demand services are forcing large entertainment companies to rethink their business strategies and innovate new and exciting ways to delight their customers. The MultiChoice Group and its companies have long provided
The Shoprite Group will be the first supermarket retailer to offer an OUTbonus, following a partnership between Africa’s largest food retailer and OUTsurance, to bring consumers more accessible and affordable insurance products. A very competitively-priced funeral policy is the first product to launch under this new partnership, with numerous additional offerings in the pipeline. The
The unexpected dip into technical recession in the last quarter of 2019 is anything but unexpected for South Africa’s beleaguered retail sector. Research conducted by customer experience specialists nlighten, shows that retailers have been hard hit by Eskom’s ongoing loadshedding that has disrupted their daily operations. “Retailers and the hospitality industry report a direct impact
In a first for Shoprite Botswana, local producers sold their produce directly to the public at selected Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets in the country. Dubbed Market Day and held on 29 February, this initiative saw eight (8) farmers, who already supply to the retail group, being hosted at Shoprite Gaborone, Shoprite Kgale Hill and Checkers
Johan van Zyl, the owner of Fado Art, and his small team were planting succulents into ceramic pots in a rented garage in Bronkhorstspruit when he received a phone call that changed their fortunes. The caller was Willem Hunlun, Chief Operations Officer of Checkers, who at that time (2015) served as the Divisional Manager for Checkers
RCL FOODS has reported underlying EBITDA and headline earnings increase of 11.1% and 24.1% respectively versus the comparative period, showing resilience amidst a weak operating environment. The company attributed the underlying improvement to a significantly better performance in Sugar, albeit off a low base, and consistently strong performance in Groceries. As a result of increased
The Commission has approved with conditions the proposed transaction in which Kwande Capital (Pty) Ltd, through Isanti Glass 1 (Pty) Ltd (Isanti), intends to acquire the glass packaging business and plant Nampak Glass, a division of Nampak Products Limited (Nampak Products). Isanti is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed for the purpose of the proposed
The Competition Tribunal has found that global beer brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (AB InBev) did not breach conditions relating to its merger with SABMiller PLC (SAB) through its exclusive branding rights with outlets. However, the Tribunal has ordered the Competition Commission to re-investigate AB InBev’s exclusive pouring arrangements related to stadia. This, after local alcoholic
Announced today, an innovative partnership between three of South Africa’s digital forces that will create an online marketplace to help small to medium enterprises (SMMEs) access the rapidly growing digital retail sector in Africa. The triumvirate consists of ICT Investment Company Ayo Technology Solutions (AYO) through a subsidiary, together with South African online retail platform
Albert Louw, Lasher Tools Marketing Manager, said that the company had gained new business as a consequence of the outbreak of coronavirus in China and the closure of manufacturing in the country in an attempt to stem the spread of the deadly virus. “For the first time, a big local retailer placed a multi-million-rand order
Responding to the opportunity to continue providing better nutrition to consumers, Tiger Brands has officially opened its brand new, state-of-the-art Oat Mill for its first and oldest product – Jungle Oats – in Maitland, Cape Town. Speaking at the opening event on Friday, 21 February, unit manager, Rees De Villiers outlined some of the innovative
Massmart has reported a total sales of R93.7 billion for the 52-week period ending 29 December, representing total sales growth of 3.0%, comparable sales growth of 1.5% and year-to-date internal sales inflation of 2.5%. Sales from our South African stores increased by 2.7%, with comparable store sales increasing by 1.3%. Total sales from our rest
Spur Corporation today reported an increase of 8.4% in group revenue to R525 million as middle income consumers came under increasing financial strain in the six months to December 2019. The group’s profit before tax grew by 19.5% to R161.8 million, boosted by the recovery of an impairment provision of R10.8 million related to its
Key information – Sale of merchandise increased by 7.0% to R81.2 billion. – Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 5.3% to R6.8 billion. – Trading profit excluding hyperinflation increased by 7.0%. – Trading profit on a reported basis decreased by 3.9% to R4.0 billion. – Diluted headline earnings per share, excluding
Richard Hirsch who has been the Managing Director of the Hirsch’s Group for the last eight years has been announced as Chief Executive Officer of this family owned Appliance and Electronics business. He takes over the reins from his father, Allan, who has moved into the position of joint Chairman of Hirsch’s together with his
Mastercard SpendingPulse shows a significant increase in retail spending in December 2017 as consumers benefit from a stronger Rand and lower inflation Mastercard SpendingPulse reports that South African consumer spending showed a healthy improvement over the festive season, with retail sales volumes rising 3.8 percent year-on-year after removing the effects of inflation. This marks the
Insights from Gareth Hawkey CEO, redPanda Group Although the local economy is creating a tough operating environment for South African retailers, technology is providing near infinite opportunities for savvy retailers to drive sales and bottom line growth. From seamless online shop fronts to digitally enabled payment systems, the right technology – underpinned by the most
Innervation Pan African Payment Solutions (Innervation) has announced the acquisition of an African loyalty business, The Loyalty Box from Tritech Media. Innervation forms part of Crossfin Transactional Solutions (CTS), South Africa’s largest independent payments and merchant acquiring solutions platform. Under the terms of the deal, Innervation has acquired The Loyalty Box business for an undisclosed
SPAR Zimbabwe had a busy year in 2019, with the opening of a total of five new stores in the country, incorporating a wider range of ready-to-eat solutions in several of the sites and increasing product range to suit local market needs across their retail estate. The company owned stores expanded by two when an
Massmart is proud to announce that Glenart, a local Christmas cracker manufacturing company and partner on the Massmart Supplier Development Programme, is the first local supplier to be listed with Walmart US on a new export programme. A landmark agreement that will see the company directly supplying their innovative confetti-popping crackers to 800 Walmart US
The Edcon Group announces the sale of CNA to a consortium, majority owned by JSE listed Astoria Investments Ltd, and led by Jan van Niekerk. This transaction is aligned to Edcon’s broader strategy which is to focus on its core business through the realignment of its retail brands and operations. The sale, which is subject
First Choice Fresh Extended Shelf Life (ESL) milk, manufactured by Woodlands Dairy, one of the largest producers in South Africa, has launched its new biobased fresh milk ESL pack. Sporting a new look and feel, incorporating the biobased messaging as well as a new green biobased closure, this is yet another move from Woodlands Dairy
South African consumers engage in both ‘talking and tapping’ when sharing brand experiences or seeking recommendations. The obsession around social media creates the illusion that digital reality rules, putting all real-life communication on the backburner. However, according to a consumer study conducted by global measurement company Nielsen, 98% of South African consumers like ‘talking’ versus
In line with the Shoprite Group’s commitment to ensure that 100% of its plastic packaging is reusable and/or recyclable by 2025, it is now using the 4 000 tons of plastic returned annually to its distribution centers to produce its 100% recycled and recyclable plastic shopping bags. Since the beginning of November 2019, plastic from the retail
