In business, women are not just holding their own -  they are setting new standards, driving innovation, and reshaping the way the industry operates.

It has become achingly clear that the South African national power grid is no longer fit for purpose. Despite a record number of load shedding free days, disruptions have marred the energy landscape. With no real long-term solution in sight, the country’s reliance on expensive coal reserves and emergency measures means that it is past time for retailers and wholesalers to take charge of their own electricity needs. As technology rises to meet these challenges and innovative solutions are shaped to drive the industry forward; the good news is that retailers and wholesalers have an array of...

How behavioural economics and ‘being human’ affects your business. You didn’t set your alarm on your phone properly and need to be ready for your Zoom meeting in 33 minutes. You wash your face, try to look presentable, go to the kitchen and shove a slice of bread in the toaster as you put on the kettle to boil for a desperately needed cup of coffee. Suddenly you smell burning and realise the toaster has just turned your breakfast into a square of burnt carbon. As you open the kitchen window, you scratch your arm on the handle because you were in too much of a rush. You grab your phone to...

Leaving from a hot and dusty hiking trail after sipping on warm water, the last thing you want to do is waste time shopping with queues and large parking lots. The ease of popping into a convenient store on your way home for a cold water is bliss. Convenience has become a cornerstone of modern consumer behaviour. With our busy lifestyles, running from one place to the next, consumers are starting to look for retail experiences that save time and effort. In suburban South Africa, the local tearoom or café used to be a key part of daily life, similar to the role played by small convenience...

The South African snack and treat market is driven by factors like affordability, indulgence, and health-conscious consumers, with local producers needing to adapt to rising costs and embrace innovation and sustainability for success. Furthermore, retailers are learning from international trends and the growing demand for clean labels, eco-friendly offerings and a shift towards healthier and more responsible choices. An NIQ analysis reveals that the snacking industry faces pressure in certain categories, with volumes purchased decreasing due to price increases. For example, extruded...

Bottled, canned and frozen products may seem very varied but, despite their differences, these products share many similarities in terms of convenience, market trends and consumer expectations. Both manufacturers and retailers need to stay up to-date on the ever-changing needs of customers and the economic obstacles they encounter. It is crucial to have an understanding of shopper demographics, while keeping an eye on global trends, and maintain adaptability to swiftly respond to changes in market and consumer behaviour.   The truth behind canningThe South Africa Canned Food...

The familiar ‘zebra stripes’ in the back of many consumer goods is a familiar sight to all shoppers. Some of us even turn the can or box for the barcode to face the cashier. I was fortunate enough to witness the first useof barcodes in the US when I travelled in 1972 to Dayton, Ohio, as part of a South African delegation on a ‘look and learn’ trip to various supermarket chains in North America. At the NCR headquarters, we gazed in amazement when our host took a can of peanuts and passed it over some lights. Our attention was then focused on the cash register till that showed the product...

As many grocery and consumable goods retailers countrywide kick off the new financial year, attention naturally turns to streamlining operations for the 12 months ahead to maintain their competitive edge. Automation is an enduring key enabler of operational efficiency in FMCG retail and wholesale stores, and with technology advancements accelerating at breakneck speed, it’s incumbent on decision-makers to take stock of the best available options for their business needs. Three trends in focusThree pivotal trends are likely to shape the retail automation landscape this year: the...

At R33 billion, the market for petrol station forecourts in South Africa, is being dominated by convenience stores like OK Express, SPAR Express, Pick ‘n Pay Express, Astron Freshstop and Woolworths Foodstop. According to Trade Intelligence data, these brands have experienced significant growth over the last five years with 145 new store openings and a 44.6% increase. There was an 8.5% increase in forecourt retail sales for the year 2023, result ing in a total of R33 billion in sales within this sector. Over the past five years, there has been a 14.5% growth in the size of fuel...