The widespread shift to home deliveries is set to outlast the Covid-19 pandemic. From large retailers and restaurant chains to artisan food producers and small farmers, lockdown in South Africa has seen a surge in online shopping and home delivery ordering, a trend that's expected to turn into a lasting change in consumer behaviour, and this change makes the last mile, which refers to the delivery of a product into the customer's hands, even more critical to customer satisfaction and repeat business. 19 Jun 2020
Across Africa and in partnership with NGOs, Coca-Cola in Africa, its bottling partners, the "Coca-Cola System" and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), have been deploying a range of resources, including capabilities, funds and products to support governments, communities and local economies in their urgent efforts to contain the spread and impact of the coronavirus since its outbreak on the continent. 19 Jun 2020
The desire for cashless transactions - driven by the ongoing fear of Covid-19 infection - is as prevalent in the informal sector as anywhere else. What is needed is a way to make these a reality. 19 Jun 2020
As businesses strategise over the best way to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, they cannot afford to lose sight of the importance of sustaining the best customer experience and service quality - and loyalty programmes are central to this. 19 Jun 2020
While discussions and due diligences grind on over the sale of Edcon's crown jewels - Edgars and Jet, management and the business rescue practitioners (BRPs) had no choice but to proceed with the business rescue plan as conceived by joint BRPs Lance Schapiro and Piers Marsden and approved by Edcon creditors in early June. 18 Jun 2020
PepsiCo CEO and chairman Ramon Laguarta announced on Twitter their commitment to doing their part to help dismantle the systemic racial barriers that block social and economic progress for Black people in the US. 17 Jun 2020
President Cyril Ramaphosa's letter to the nation on Monday 8 June, painted a grim picture of the expected coronavirus statistics. His clarion cry to "be prepared" lands heavily on a nation already burdened by shattering unemployment, food queues, business closures and fear of the future. 17 Jun 2020
Converse believes that art has the power to reflect the current times, provoke conversations and build bridges between us. At no time has this been truer than during this recent global crisis that has affected every single one of us. As such, the brand has through engaging communities of artists from all around the world launched its "Peace Campaign" initiative. 16 Jun 2020
Stimulating economic recovery post the Covid-19 pandemic will be behaviour as opposed to time driven. Governments and brands will need to work hard to make consumers feel safe, physically, psychologically and financially, with trust the currency to make this happen. 15 Jun 2020
Unilever South Africa is one of the country's largest producers and suppliers of hygiene, personal care and food products. Many of its brands - including Lifebuoy, Domestos and Handy Andy - form part of South Africans' everyday defence against the coronavirus. 15 Jun 2020
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The V&A Waterfront is partnering with Pargo, a click and collect service provider, to offer an alternative for shoppers who want to avoid possible exposure to Covid-19 by queuing in shops, but who still want to collect their own goods. 15 Jun 2020
During lockdown, Pick n Pay launched a Collect Direct grocery email ordering service for its franchise stores, and the feedback from customers was very positive as many look to limit the amount of time they spend in public places. Now, the retailer has launched a liquor version. All orders place over the weekend will be packed for collection between Monday and Thursday at participating stores, as liquor stores are closed from Friday to Sunday. 15 Jun 2020
Image credit: Walter Otto on Unsplash
In collaboration with Business Day Dialogues, South African National Accreditation System (Sanas) recently held a discussion highlighting the critical role accreditation plays in improving food safety. The discussion fell in line with the theme of this year's World Accreditation Day, which was 'Accreditation Improving Food Safety'. 15 Jun 2020
The world finds itself in the midst of a global crisis, dealing with a unique and extreme situation that can be terrifying at times. However, in this time of adversity it should be remembered that the more extreme the situation, the more likely it is to fast-track new developments, says Craig Duggan, commercial head at Transaction Junction. 12 Jun 2020
Over the years, there have been many great innovations in terms of household appliances and systems. Each of these appliances and systems was designed, created and intended to function and thrive as a valuable asset to the property and to the lives of the individuals who live at the property. There are many household appliances and systems that any given individual can install and have in their home and of course each and every one of them is valuable in its own right. However, there are some household appliances and systems that are more valuable than others simply due to the positive impact that they have on a property. 12 Jun 2020
From negotiating rental relief with landlords and royalty fees with franchisors to asking for relaxed loan repayments with banks, franchise operators continue their battle to survive the Covid-19 lockdown as trade starts under Level 3 for some franchise sectors but crippling restrictions remain for others. 12 Jun 2020
Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart has debuted a voice assistant feature to make consumers' online shopping journeys "simpler and more natural". The capability was introduced in Flipkart's grocery store Supermart this week. 12 Jun 2020
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) is calling for comments on the discussion document relating to the publication of the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa) Industry Code to be submitted to the Department via email before 15 July 2020. 11 Jun 2020
On 1 June 2020, South Africa moved to level three lockdown allowing more businesses to operate, essentially opening up the economy. However, the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown in South Africa has had a significant impact on most industries directly or indirectly. 11 Jun 2020
In #FreshOnTheShelf, we round up our pick of food and beverage products that have hit the shelves recently. 11 Jun 2020
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