The 21st SACSC Annual Congress wrapped up on Friday after three jam-packed days of insights from retail industry leaders from around the globe. A highlight this year was the attendance of Britain's best-loved food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson. I interviewed her during an intimate media briefing during which she shared her relationship with food, the appeal of publishing and television as mediums for storytelling, and her thoughts on the linkage between culture and cuisine. Also hailing from England, spirited retail futurist Howard Saunders presented a keynote titled 'The Future is Scary', delving into some of the interesting shifts we're experiencing in consumer mindset and retail brand innovation. In other event news, Pricecheck held its second Tech and E-commerce Awards, recognising the South African businesses and individuals making their mark in the aforemetioned industries. Travelstart scooped the big one this year, walking off with the E-commerce Service of the Year award, while Takealot took the People's Choice award and Robyn Smith from Faithful to Nature was named Best Female Tech/E-commerce Entrepreneur. View the full winners list here. In continuation of our PMA Fresh Connections coverage, I report back on a keynote titled 'The State of the Fresh Produce Industry in South Africa' presented by Trade Intelligence managing director Maryla Masojada. In it, she detailed the trends affecting the produce supply chain and their impacts on the way companies do business. Lastly, for the fashion entrepreneurs among us, the 'Threads - stitched by Standard Bank' accelerator programme has been launched. It aims to boost South Africa's up-and-coming fashion designers and turn them into powerful fashion CEOs. Click through for entry criteria and details. Have an inspiring week! Lauren Hartzenberg Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com

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