Optimistic about growth demand in the ice cream category, Unilever has invested R600m in a state-of-the-art ice cream factory. Located in Midrand, the factory is one of 40 Unilever ice cream factories across the globe, and sets new standards in green and low-cost manufacturing in accordance with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

Franchise specialist Taste Holdings has confirmed plans for a rights issue to raise R226m to fund the expansion of the recently acquired Starbucks coffee chain licence for South Africa, as well as growth initiatives at its jewellery franchising hub, reports Business Day. Vunani Securities analyst Anthony Clark is sceptical: "I like the brands the company owns, but without meaningful returns, Taste is trading on promise ... it's nothing more than foam in a coffee cup."

Looking forward to Retail Congress Africa, we interviewed Paula Disberry who will be sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities of omni-channel based on her experience as Head of Retail Operations at Woolworths. Disberry: "I will share the views of customers in Africa and their changing expectations, the major capabilities that need to be built, and some of our learnings to date."

And something for our fashion friends to diarise is a gala celebration and dinner auction on 14 November hosted by Klûk CGDT, in collaboration with The Sunflower Fund. This is the latest in a long line of collaborative events held with The Sunflower Fund to raise awareness and funds for the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

Jessica Taylor, Retail Editor (@Biz_Retail)
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