Shoprite is expanding further into the coffee and quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector after agreeing to acquire 100% of Vida e Caffè, South Africa’s largest coffee chain.

The transaction, which covers Vida’s South African and international operations, was signed on 20 August 2026 and includes the coffee brand’s network of around 400 corporate and franchise outlets across Africa.

Shoprite disclosed the acquisition in its results for the 52 weeks ended 28 June 2026, released on Tuesday, 1 September.

The deal represents a significant move into a category where Shoprite has previously had a presence mainly through in-store partnerships, private-label coffee and food-service offerings, and business-to-business catering.

The retailer does not currently operate its own standalone food-service chains.

Vida e Caffè was established in 2001 by friends Rui Esteves and Brad Armitage, who drew inspiration from European coffee culture. The pair opened the first Vida store on Kloof Street in Cape Town before growing the business.

Grant Dutton later joined as a 40% joint-venture partner when the chain had reached its third outlet at Cavendish Square.

Dutton and his investment partners subsequently acquired Vida from the founders in 2006, when the business had grown to seven stores.

The chain has since expanded dramatically, reaching approximately 400 corporate and franchise stores across Africa and becoming the continent’s largest coffee chain.

Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht said Vida’s appeal lies partly in its diverse customer base and flexible range of store formats.

Its outlets operate in locations including high streets, fuel stations, drive-through sites, corporate offices and retail centres. The business has also increasingly incorporated digital services into its offering.

Engelbrecht said the combination gives Vida a strong foundation from which to continue expanding and strengthening its relationship with customers.

Shoprite said the acquisition will enhance its position in the QSR market while complementing its existing food and beverage activities.

Shoprite also takes stake in R&A Cellular

The Vida transaction was not the only major acquisition announced by Shoprite.

The retailer also acquired an initial majority interest in South African technology and payments company R&A Cellular.

That transaction was completed after Shoprite’s financial year-end, on 14 August 2026, giving the group a 51% stake in the business.

R&A Cellular provides a device network used by informal and semi-formal micro-retailers to offer convenient access points for frequently used financial and everyday services.

Shoprite said the investment supports its strategy to grow its financial-services business and provides an opportunity to scale the R&A Cellular platform significantly.

Through the deal, Shoprite plans to expand its network of devices across informal retailers nationwide while integrating its financial-services products into the R&A Cellular ecosystem.

The group said both transactions are expected to support customer growth, increase engagement and extend its financial-services reach into South Africa’s informal economy.

The Vida acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. Shoprite expects the transaction to take effect during its 2027 financial year.

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