In a first for Shoprite Botswana, local producers sold their produce directly to the public at selected Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets.

Dubbed Market Day and held on 29 February, this initiative saw 8 farmers, who already supply to the retail group, being hosted at Shoprite Gaborone, Shoprite Kgale Hill and Checkers Airport Junction as well as further afield at Shoprite Maun and Shoprite Moshupa in Kanye. Among the vegetables on sale were maize, chives, spinach, peppers, egg plants, butternut and tomatoes.
 
Market Days have been taking place at South African stores ever since the concept was introduced in 2017. Botswana is the first country outside of South Africa where the initiative has also been rolled out in a bid to showcase the retailer’s ongoing support of local producers.
 
Ratsela Molefe from Leadsurf Farm Medie Lentsweletau, described it as “a fantastic initiative, which brings the farmer in direct contact with customers, who can for the first time get an idea of where their food comes from”.
 
“This is important because it shows that Shoprite supports local growers, and that good, quality produce can be found right here in Botswana,” explains Thato Mokgadi from Tsoo...13.
 
Bridget Peters, who bought maize from the stall at Shoprite Gaborone, thought Market Day was “a great idea” that she would certainly support again. “It offers farmers a wonderful opportunity to advertise themselves. Customers have the chance to get to know them and what they sell,” she says.
 
Shoprite launched in Botswana in 1998 with the opening of Shoprite Gaborone in Station  Road, and has since grown to 34 outlets countrywide and a staff complement of 1 500.