Spar is taking its digital retail ambitions to new heights, announcing plans to expand its presence on the Uber Eats platform from 275 to more than 800 stores across South Africa. The move comes amid a rapid boom in the country’s online grocery market.

The retailer unveiled its partnership with Uber Eats in July 2025, initially launching the service in a limited number of outlets. Since then, the collaboration has grown steadily, giving shoppers an easier way to access everyday items.

“Spar and Uber Eats have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership that’s transforming how South Africans shop for groceries,” the retailer said. “With over 275 stores already active and hundreds more to follow, we’re making essential goods more accessible to millions nationwide.”

According to McKinsey’s State of Grocery Retail 2024 report, South Africa’s online grocery sector has expanded by 54% per year since 2019, now valued at around R23 billion.

Uber Eats’ own insights show that local users collectively save more than 12.7 million hours a year by ordering groceries via the app. Spar expects this behaviour to continue accelerating, noting that more than a quarter of consumers plan to boost their online grocery spending soon.

“Time savings and convenience are the main motivators,” the company added. “About 43% of South Africans shop online to save time, while 30% prioritise convenience — trends that are clearly driving Spar’s growth on the Uber Eats platform.”

Alex Troughton, Uber Eats’ Regional General Manager for Grocery and Retail in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said that digital convenience is now an expectation rather than a luxury.

“The expansion of Spar stores on Uber Eats isn’t just about making shopping easier — it’s about reshaping retail around customer behaviour, supported by data, insights, and tangible results,” Troughton said.

Spar described the collaboration as a defining moment for South Africa’s evolving digital retail sector, blending Uber Eats’ logistics and technology with Spar’s extensive national footprint and established franchise network.

“This partnership showcases the potential when global innovation connects with local expertise,” the retailer said.

Beyond serving customers, the company believes the initiative strengthens local entrepreneurship and community commerce. Roughly 80% of Spar’s stores are independently owned, reflecting the brand’s long-standing model of retail empowerment.

“By bringing Spar, Tops, and KwikSpar outlets online, we’re equipping hundreds of business owners to compete in an increasingly digital economy while reaching millions of new shoppers,” the company concluded.

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