PnP wins Top award

Company Chairman Raymond Ackerman; Topco Media Publisher and CEO, Richard Fletcher; Pick n Pay Marketing Director, Jonathan Ackerman

The retailer was judged according to criteria such as turnover, growth, CSI expenditure, turnover per employee, percentage of female and black employees, black executive and non-executive directors, female executive and non-executive directors, written company policies and company accreditations.

“We are delighted with this accolade,” said marketing director, Jonathan Ackerman. “It is hugely encouraging that our efforts over the last 41 years to provide South African consumers with highly affordable, good-quality merchandise; as well as our equity policies and ongoing social initiatives, have been recognised with this prestigious award.

“Social investment has always been at the heart of Pick n Pay. It will always remain a core value and is a critical part of our social governance. We have always played an active role in supporting and building local communities; and we commit major resources to social investment initiatives each year. We strive to develop long-term sustainable partnerships with all beneficiaries, focusing on lasting commitment rather than once-off projects.

“Furthermore, we are committed to broad-based Black Economic Empowerment and strive to exceed expectations set by Government. We continuously address the imbalances of the past and therefore aim to promote women to executive levels wherever possible.”

Last year Pick n Pay entered an accelerated period of change and embarked on an extensive strategy realignment process, of which the brand was a key component.

The company is in the process of launching over 450 new and repackaged lines in its “Fresh” range, including over 300 ready-to-eat (convenience) meals, over 80 fresh produce lines, and more than 50 new meat products. More than 50 organic products will be added to the already sizeable organics range, which in the last financial year grew some 60%.

“We have a renewed focus on improving our customers' shopping experience ... particularly the quality and consistency of our fresh offer," says Ackerman. "This move is the first of many customers can expect to see over the next few years. [The company] has set itself new standards and aims to remain South Africa's number one retailer. All of what we are doing addresses our customer's demands very directly and it is appropriate then, that our new tagline is ‘Inspired by You'.”

According to Top 500, considerable time was spent reviewing thousands of both listed and unlisted companies. Their findings were checked and re-checked against strict criteria and last year's research and it was found that the Pick n Pay exhibited an “impressive aura of success” and is the worthy winner in its category.

For more information, visit: http://www.top500.co.za/