Developing a retail plan for Africa
Some of the largest companies in the world are grocery retailers and some of the most profitable companies in the world depend on retailers to distribute their products to consumers. Retailers certainly play a pivotal role in any economy but their impact on an emerging economy is even more critical. The migration from informal retailing to corporate retail helps to structure and grow the economy as a whole as well as improve the lives of ordinary people.
Retailers employ large numbers of people; they provide training, a stable income and opportunity for personal growth. They help to maintain availability of products at reasonable prices and provide a valuable and efficient tax collection mechanism for governments. But most of all, they stimulate investment in production and processing facilities within the region.
Informal retailing does very little to improve the overall economic health of a country and in most instances, it stifles progress, growth and development. The difficulty is that you need a vibrant informal sector before that process of formalisation can take place but it cannot be seen as a long term solution to economic freedom, it is a mistake often made.
It is imperative that African economic leaders focus on creating an environment that will, as swiftly as possible; transform the retail sector into a value adding component of the economy. Creating free trade zones, investing in basic infrastructure, reducing corruption and ensuring that the customs’ process is a reasonably low cost exercise that quickly stimulates long term gains.
With South Africa and other international retailers eagerly awaiting opportunities in Africa, political willpower desperately needs to be aligned with the long term economic gain. In an ideal world we would have retail leaders and political leaders meeting regularly to formulate a dynamic retail investment strategy. The impact that progressive development in Africa will have on the world’s FMCG sector will no doubt be positive, so the willpower should be there.
Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by
|
|
|
|
|
 |
What’s on your mind? |
| We want to hear from you and what you think about the retail and FMCG industry in South Africa. You can email your comments and feedback to our editor, . |
|
|
Image courtesy of The Wall Street Journal
|
King of the Till report
Did you know? Using 3-D Store modelling and eye tracking, FMCG companies abroad can can know, test and modify product, display and even packaging in record turnaround time.
Read more shopper news and insights
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Factory output blows past forecasts
South Africa’s factory output grew above expectations in May compared with last year, backing the case for interest rates to stay unchanged at next week’s policy meeting, although the central bank may cut them later this year to buoy the economy.
|
|
|
|
View all Economic News
|
|
|
|
Cadbury Dairy Milk introduces first re-sealable chocolate packaging in South Africa
SA’s best loved chocolate brand, Cadbury Dairy Milk, is proud to announce the launch of the first re-sealable chocolate packaging in South Africa.
|
|
Swedish Foods set to shake up SA frozen food market!
At an inaugural launch held in Cape Town on 19 April 2012 local fishing company Sea Harvest announced its tie-up with major Swedish frozen foods producer Findus Sverige AB. The Findus Group is one of Europe’s largest frozen food and seafood companies and a leading overall food manufacturer.
|
|
Relief at hand for post pregnancy wipe out
Spatone is a 100% natural, mineral-water-based iron supplement, shown not to cause any unpleasant side effects such as constipation and proven to be much easier for the body to absorb than ordinary iron tablets. Spatone is the UK’s best-selling iron supplement, and is conveniently packaged in daily sachets at the source – iron rich water from the Snowdonia Mountains in northern Wales.
|
|
Immediate relief for mouth ulcers
Leading health and wellness company, OTC Pharma SA has launched a new, effective product to relieve pain associated with mouth ulcers and to promote healing called Bye Mouth Ulcer.
|
|
Fresh new packaging from Spekko Rice
In crisp, colourful and shiny new packs, Spekko’s range of six rice variants has never looked so good on shelf. The packaging in Spekko’s signature orange colour is also new, in that it carries a QR code on the front of the pack. This leads the smartphone user to Spekko’s vast lists of recipes, shopping lists and cooking tips.
|
|
Sharwood’s Paste range now available in South Africa
Sharwood’s Pastes – available in Tikka and Tandoori variants – are now available in South Africa. The range is stocked at leading Pick ? Pay and Spar outlets, at a recommended retail price of R39.99 per bottle.
|
|
Nederburg Baronne strikes out on its own
Nederburg’s Baronne, one of South Africa’s top-selling red blends and until now a part of the Paarl winery’s popular Winemaster’s Reserve collection, has been repackaged as a wine in its own right from the 2011 vintage.
|
|
|
View all New Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jacobs celebrates Mandela Day 2012 at Constitution Hill
In anticipation of Nelson Mandela International Day 2012, Jacobs Krönung paid tribute to Madiba on Saturday the 14th of July at Constitution Hill in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. To celebrate our hero, the coffee brand with soul, built an impressive 5000-cup ‘Mandela mosaic’ out of Jacobs coffee and, shared the joy by teaching underprivileged children how to play different board games.
|
|
NEUTROGENA® VISIBLY CLEAR™ Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser
The NEUTROGENA® VISIBLY CLEAR™ Pink Grapefruit range of cleansers has performed exceptionally well since the launch last year. And now NEUTROGENA® completes the range with the introduction of NEUTROGENA® VISIBLY CLEAR™ Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser.
|
|
Rusks stimulate nostalgia
A survey among 70 000 ex-pat South Africans, released by SA Hotels in April this year, reveals that South Africans living in London miss not only their families but certain South African food items, too, that remind them of home. Topping the list of food products that invoked nostalgia were: biltong, droëwors, boerewors, chutney and Ouma Rusks.
|
|
Boland Pulp Tackles the Online Realm
Boland Pulp announces the launch of the company’s new micro-sites for Squish Pure Fruit Smoothies & Squish Baby and Chef’ Ease, brought to consumers by the company’s Puré range.
|
|
Fun in a new flavour!
Bokomo Otees is back with a brand new flavour! In celebration of the much anticipated Ice Age 4: Continental Drift movie, Bokomo will be launching limited edition Otees Ice Age packs – delicious Cream Soda flavoured Otees with multigrain animal shapes for an extra bit of fun.
|
|
SPAR Junior Chefs bake up a storm
Kiddie cooks from across Port Elizabeth baked up a storm in the SPAR Junior Chef Competition, hosted by The Pastryworks on Tuesday.
|
|
Set sail for Hobart Grove's Treasure Adventure
Hobart Grove Centre in Bryanston is celebrating its first birthday since its elegant refurbishment with a month long ‘treasure adventure’.
|
|
|
View all Brand Activity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| We've created business listing pages for BMi Research and Promotional & display systems (PRO's) as part of the marketing services we provide to businesses in the retail sector. |
BMi Research
BMI Research, has more than 30 years experience in the industry, from consumer to industrial research, across a wide range of methodologies and markets.
|
 |
Promotional & display systems (PRO’S)
Bringing key services in-house, PRO’S has a tighter control over both design and production resulting in quicker lead times and superior products. Our services also include large format printing for corporate and vehicle branding.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Strategy Recruitment Marketing
Strategy Recruitment Marketing is focused on providing tailor-made, alternative recruitment solutions that are based on out-the-box strategic and creative thinking, detailed processes, and keeping abreast of the latest recruitment practices and technology through understanding each client´s critical success factors, to produce impactful results cost-effectively.
|
 |
Nicolene Di Bartolo Managed Appointments
Leadership is action... not position! Business Leaders engage our services to identify individuals who will elevate their organisations to new heights. It is our mission to source exceptional talent in mid-to executive management levels across all job categories. We support these extraordinary individuals in furthering their careers.
|
 |
|
|
|
Marketing Mix conferences and workshops:
Loyalty Marketing Summit – Johannesburg, 25 July 2012
The Best of Global Digital Marketing – Johannesburg, 02 August 2012
The Best of Global Digital Marketing – Cape Town, 03 August 2012
|
 |
Brand assessment, development and marketing strategy in South Africa
When: 15 – 16 August 2012
Venue: Balalaika Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg
|
 |
Marketing to Kids, Tweens and Teens – Seminar & Workshop
When: 21 – 22 August 2012
Where: Radisson Blu, Gautrain Hotel, Sandton
|
 |
SOCAP SA Conference
When: 22 – 23 August 2012
Venue: Johannesburg Country Club, Auckland Park
|
 |
Discover Your Senses at the 38th Nederburg Auction
When: 28 – 29 September 2012
Venue: Graue Hall, Nederburg, Paarl
|
 |
FACTS & AIB International Management Workshop
When: 9 - 10 October 2012
Where: Lagoon Beach Hotel
|
 |
CGCSA Conference 2012 – It's Back and it's Big
When: 10 - 11 October 2012
Where: The Forum, Bryanstan, Johabbesburg
|
 |
Smart Procurement World 2012
When: 13 - 15 Nov 2012
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg
|
 |
Global Sources Chins Sourcing Fairs
When: 28 – 30 November 2012
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Johannesburg
Global Sources Gifts and Premiums China Sourcing Fair
Global Sources Solar & Energy-Saving Products China Sourcing Fair
Global Sources Baby & Children’s Products China Sourcing Fair
Global Sources: Electronics China Sourcing Fair
Global Sources Fashion Accessories China Sourcing Fair
Global Sources: Garments & Textiles China Sourcing Fair
Global Sources Home Products China Sourcing Fair
Global Sources Hardware & Building Materials China Sourcing Fair
|
 |
|
|
About us
|
|
| Fastmoving provides online data support and marketing services to FMCG brands and businesses operating in the retail sector. Our inventory management service is a central repository where FMCG brands can store and share hi-res pack shots and essential product information with suppliers for each SKU, on-demand, including barcodes, product endorsements, nutritional values, ingredients and allergens. |
|
| |
|
|
Featured Client
|
|
|
|
Active Clients
|
|
|
|
