International Retail Growth

Retail Analysts Planet Retail have provided us with a fascinating and informative insight into the 'Top 30 Grocery Retailers Worldwide'. Take the time to read the article - the numbers are quite astounding when comparing them to the turnovers of South African retailers.

Speaking of retailers, they are an easy target for unions, especially when there is a retail boom in progress. There businesses are dependant on a number union members, which makes them very vulnerable to mass action. I certainly hope for the good of the industry that this year's wage negotiations are not as disruptive as last year's.

On a last, somewhat unrelated note, an interesting, and somewhat frightening fact presented by Eighty20 this week is a graphic illustration of the impact of AIDS: In 1997, most adults died between the ages of 65 and 79. In 2002, most adults died between the ages of 25 and 39.

Craig Ballantyne
craig@fastmoving.co.za

Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by emailing the editor
editor@fastmoving.co.za

NEWSBYTES

Wal-Mart number global number 1 again!
Wal-mart emerged the clear winner once again in Planet Retail's recently published 'Top 30 Grocery Retailers Worldwide'. With sales of USD339 billion and a worldwide market share that almost equals the rest of the Top 5 combined, it's easy to see why they're still at number 1!
Read more.

Pick 'n Pay nationwide go-slow ended
Employees of one of South Africa's biggest supermarket group, Pick 'n Pay, last week embarked on a nationwide go-slow campaign, apparently in support of their wage demands. It ended on Thursday however following the successful granting of a court interdict against the workers concerned.
Read more.

Spar report excellent earnings, CEO resigns
On Wednesday last week, retail and convenience store franchise group, Spar, reported very strong growth for the six months to March with net profits climbing 16.5% to R206.4m and revenue soaring by an impressive 22.6% to R8.23bn. It is thus quite interesting that Peter Hughes, Spar's CEO, is planning to retire at the end of the year after 17 year's service.
Read more.

Nature's Source factory now HACCP compliant
Exceptional food safety standards are one of the most important objectives at the Nature's Source Muesli factory in Durban, so it was cause for much celebration when the staff's commitment to excellence was recognised by the SABS.
Read more.

When the going gets tough…
When the cost of living is rising faster than salaries can keep pace with, the world's consumers are fairly unanimous about what they'd cut back on to avoid blowing their budget. Out-of-home entertainment, spending on new clothes and upgrading technology are the top three belt-tightening measures of consumers worldwide, according to an online survey by ACNielsen.
Read more.

GLOBAL NEWS

Carrefour analyses Iranian market for entry
French international Carrefour is considering entering the Iranian market, the company's franchise partner in the region has confirmed to Retail News Middle East.
Read more.

Foodstuffs launches new liquor banner
In New Zealand, Foodstuffs (South Island) has announced that it is launching a new liquor store chain. The chain, to trade under the Henry's banner, will be under 400 square metres per store and will stock beer, wines and spirits.
Read more.

FEATURED BRAND

Stellar Winery Stellar Winery is situated 275 km north of Cape Town on the road to Namibia. The winery makes use of a semi-arid climate, unrivalled refrigeration capacity and extensive in-house engineering skills to produce modern, Fairtrade organic wines. Read more.

BRAND NEW

Staffords Lemon Curd Staffords has added delicious Lemon Curd to its range, and it's completely free of tartrazine! Staffords Lemon Curd is now available in leading retail outlets throughout South Africa. Read more.

Simonsberg launch 3 zesty new flavours Simonsberg is proud to introduce three piquant new cream cheeses - Lemon Cheesecake, Sweet Thai Chilli and Mediterranean - adding a contemporary twist to the spectrum of flavours in their best selling range. Read more.

Packaging makeover for Frisco coffee National Brands Limited is bringing new excitement to the coffee aisle with their revitalised packaging of popular proudly South African brands, Frisco and Koffiehuis. The new packaging, designed by Jansen Graphics, comes in a variety of pack sizes to suit any occasion. Read more.

BRAND ACTIVITY

Win a one year soccer training course with Mageu Number 1! As of the middle of April, Mageu Number One is running a fantastic soccer promotion where consumers stand a change of winning one of 10 one year Soccer Coaching and Administration Training Courses, or one of a 1000 branded soccer balls. The Soccer Coaching courses are from Boston City Campus and will be taken either as a full time or part time course at their Gauteng Campus or as a correspondence course nationally. Entry forms will be in Daily Sun and Sowetan newspaper. Competition closes end of May. Read more.