Good news all round

Good news all round
This week has been an exceptionally busy week for retailers, with many of them reporting their (mostly favourable) results. Woolworths for one showed a 0.5% increase in market share and a comparable store growth of almost 12%.
Massmart are well on their way to consolidating the Massbuild division, which has enjoyed the majority of their attention in the past three years - I have little doubt that the Builders brand will dominate this fast growing sector in the years to come.
I do have one question however - how is the Masscash division going feature in the mix in the future, when the group seems set to distance itself from the tough business of food retailing? It is a big revenue contributor, but relatively small in its profit contribution, and with 0.2% growth…who knows?
Shoprite have a massive capex planned for the year ahead, which I believe is much needed. R550m will be spent on opening 91 new stores and refurbishing others. The new Checkers stores are fantastic - we will run a feature on one soon, so look out for that. As a last thought, I would still like to know what the cautionary notice is about - perhaps it is just business as usual.

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

Woolworths report positive results
South African listed retailer Woolworths Holdings (WHL) has reported headline earnings per share of 105 cents for the year ended June, up 17.4% from 89.4 cents a year ago. The group said in South Africa consumer spending remained strong, however, growth in the last few months was slightly slower due to increasing interest rates and higher inflation.
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Shoprite show strong growth all round
Shoprite Holdings has produced excellent results for the 52 weeks to end June 2006, posting a trading profit of R1.253bn, 21.3% higher than for the 53 weeks of 2005. The group achieved an annual compound trading profit growth of 33.3% during the last 20 years. Shoprite CEO Whitey Basson said after several years of restructuring and consolidating its activities into a coherent whole, the business was now reaping the rewards.
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Massmart show glowing results
South African wholesaler and retailer Massmart Holdings (MSM) has reported a 28% rise in headline earnings per share to 419.3 cents for the year ended June from 327.6 cents a year ago. On a diluted basis, HEPS were 408.3 cents - up 29% from a year ago.
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Spar warns of product tampering
Food distributor Spar Group has warned its store owners that a supplier is allegedly selling falsely labelled expired foods. It has been reported that the company had found that the supplier had been tampering with expiry dates on food products and selling them on to local supermarkets such as the Gonubie Superspar and Exclusively Frozen. Products affected include Heinz noodles, Bokomo cereal bars and Cadbury chocolates.
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GLOBAL NEWS

Coffee prices soar
Coffee prices struck seven-year peaks on London commodity markets last week and will remain volatile owing to stretched global supplies, which could slightly increase the cost of a cup of the popular hot drink, analysts say. Prices are surging on the back of lower exports from Vietnam, the world's second-biggest coffee producer, where heavy rain has disrupted harvests.
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Fund buys Unilever's division for €1.73bn
Unilever has agreed to sell most of its European frozen foods unit to private equity fund Permira Funds for €1.73 billion (R15.8 billion) in order to focus on its more profitable brands.
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FEATURED BRAND

Grand-Pa Grand-Pa is a fully South African brand, enjoys high awareness and is a household name. The brand offers consumers powders and tablets in a wide range of sizes to suit their personal needs. Read more.

BRAND NEW

NEW! Doritos launches new look and exciting taste sensation Doritos is always looking for new ways to tempt consumers with tasty products and to appeal to retailers with national marketing campaigns on a grand scale. With the launch of a new eye-catching look and the first ever Doritos Fusion, Doritos continues to innovate with new flavours, new products, attractive packaging and promotions. Read more.

NEW! Tasty new look for Moir's latest launches To complement the launch of the brand developments on Moir's latest launches - four new cake and muffin mixes, and a premium range of mousses - new packaging will be introduced on all Moir's products, symbolising their ever-increasing rise in popularity. Read more.

NEW! Zing Nectar tempts taste buds Pacmar has launched an exciting new range of fruit nectars - Zing! Zing will be available in Apple, Orange, Mango, Berry, Tropical and Guava from the end of August. Read more.

NEW! Rosenborg launches new blue cheese and fruit variants Patleys have expanded their range of Rosenborg Cheese by introducing two new and exciting blue cheese and fruit variants, namely Rosenborg Blue with Cranberries and Rosenborg Blue with Pear. Read more.

NEW! A Real Italian Recipe - in 0nly 23 cm! Frescarini have just launched their new Margherita Pizza! With no added MSG, Frescarini Margherita Pizza is an ideal snack or meal for kids, providing convenience and value for money for moms. Read more.

NEW! Skyros introduces a nutritional supplement for Candida Millions of people suffer from Candida, and are totally unaware of it. Skyros Health has developed Canditrol, a sugar free, nutritional supplement which assists in the control of yeast build up in the body - Candida which is more commonly known as Thrush. Developed by doctors, Canditrol, together with a special diet eliminating yeast, sugar, dairy and fermented drinks, will assist in the control of Candida (Thrush). Read more.

NEW! Purina Friskies introduces nutrition inspired by the sea If you've ever watched your cat purring and licking its lips when there's fish being cooked, then you'll know that cats just love fish. Cats are instinctively drawn to the smell and taste of fish and that's why Purina Friskies has developed the new Purina Friskies Marine Balance™ range to ensure your cat stays young and spirited at any age. Read more.

BRAND ACTIVITY

Mageu Number 1 Swaziland promotion Launched 1 August 2006, Mageu Number 1, Swazi Times and Ellerines will be running a joint promotion. The first prize is a custom built vending trailer worth E40000. Other prizes are gas stoves, gazebos and Mageu Number One branded blankets. Total prize value is E100500. Entry forms are posted to Mageu Number 1 / Elerines Promotion P.O. Box 156 Mbabane. The competition closes the 12 September 2006. Listen to Radio Seswati for interviews with the Mageu Number One Product Manager Baldwin Makamu and the previous Swaziland trailer winner. Read more.

Publishing accolades for Clover Clover and their advertising agency, Black Khaki, were recognised in six categories at the recent SA Publication Forum's Corporate Publication competition. Most notably, Dr Elain Vlok, Clover manager corporate services was the overall winner in the 'Editor of the Year' category. The awards have been running since 2002 and this year's competition had 120 entries. Read more.

Appletiser's 100% Pure Pleasure victory at Decorex 2006 Decorex 2006 was a huge success for Appletiser. The brand exhibited its 100% Pure Pleasure Pod at the show and won an award for the best stand in the Kitchens and Bathrooms hall. The Pod was positioned in the kitchens and bathrooms hall as the Appletiser pamper products create a brand extension which makes it appropriate to enjoy in the pampering and lifestyle context. Read more.

Elixa in demand as SA partygoers discover its secret powers! Elixa was designed for use by those who live active lifestyles. Now partygoers all over South Africa are discovering the secret powers of Elixa Energy! Elixa is the ultimate energizer that stimulates metabolism, cardiovascular and central nervous systems, enhances vitality, increases physical stamina, and improves reaction speed and concentration. Read more.

MGD Urban Golf hits the streets across SA MGD Urban Golf takes the fairway to the concrete jungle, rewriting the rules of the establishment's favourite pastime, not only radically changing the landscape of competition but also opening up the game to a different kind of competitor. MGD Urban Golf is adventure golf with a twist. Read more.

WINE, BEER & SPIRITS

Celebrate life with Stellar's Live-a-Little new releases Stellar Winery, one of South Africa's most innovative and prolific wine cellars, recently released three new vintages of their popular Live-a-Little lifestyle range. Charming, cheeky and delightful, the Live-a-Little organic wines are perfect for lazy al fresco lunches, spontaneous celebrations and casual get-togethers. Read more.

Zonnebloem releases refreshing 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Zonnebloem, a leader in the time-honoured art of winemaking, has just released the 2006 vintage of its sought-after Sauvignon Blanc - the perfect summer sip fit for any occasion. This versatile Sauvignon Blanc is to be enjoyed slightly chilled on its own, or impress your table companions by serving it with chicken and fish dishes. Read more.

Bilton's first Pinotage is SA champ at Young Wine Show
The first Pinotage ever made by Bilton Wines, Bilton Pinotage 2006, took experienced Pinotage producers by surprise at this year's SA Young Wine Show by winning the trophy as the SA Champion Pinotage. It was also awarded the Paul Sauer Trophy as the class winner in the Pinotage wooded category.
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Black wine producers prove their worth
The South African Black Vintners Alliance has teamed up with Smollan Liquor and Grape Worx, to host a wine-tasting with a panel of top wine masters, in a bid to prove their status and serious commitment in the wine industry. Since its inception in early 2005, the South African Black Vintners Alliance (SABVA) has represented the interests of black vintners and winemakers in South Africa and focused its efforts to expedite transformation in the industry.
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FEATURED RETAIL SERVICES

Volcano Advertising As an integrated group of marketing communications companies, Volcano uses its unique and proven BSC methodology to create innovative ideas and campaign concepts that consistently turn 'ordinary' into 'extraordinary' results for its clients. Read more.

Keynote Communications Keynote Communications are specialists in Face-to-Face Consumer Communication and BTL activities. Read more.

Executive Business Solutions Executive Business Solutions is an energetic security solutions company that specialises in minimising your company risk. Read more.

RETAIL SUPPORT

SAP Africa supports Nelson Mandela Annual lecture For the third year running, SAP Africa has donated R1 million to the Nelson Mandela Foundation in support of the leadership, governance and democracy program. A key part of the program is the annual Nelson Mandela Lecture which gives momentum to frank and incisive dialogue about current issues that face the nation and Africa in general. Read more.

Primedia Activation launched! Primedia Activation, an Interactive consumer marketing division has been launched by Primedia @ Home under the leadership of Karen Willson. Trevor Ormerod, MD of Primedia @ Home says, "The Activation element will compliment our door-to-door distribution side of the business and enable us to harness the excellent targeting tools and operational efficiencies developed by Primedia @ Home over the years. Despite the enormous challenge, I see huge opportunities to turn this division into an industry leader and I'm excited to play a direct role." Read more.

CaterData launched! CaterData is a research initiative designed in consultation with the major players within the food industry to meet the growing need for specialist foodservice information. Given the competitiveness in the food market overall, players are actively sourcing new markets to grow their share - with the foodservice sector becoming more of a priority as a result. Read more.

FASTMOVERS

Woolworths appoints new head of retail Woolworths have announced the appointment of Saks Fifth Avenue President and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Jennings, as their new group managing director for retail. Jennings, an accomplished international retail executive with more than 35 years of achievement, will take up his new role in December 2006. Read more.

Keith Stevens joins Added Value as MD Keith Stevens has been appointed Managing Director of brand development and marketing insight company, Added Value. Keith's proven track record in growing brands, profits and people for companies like Masterfoods SA, Mars Confectionery UK and Forte / Posthouse Hotels UK made him a natural choice to lead the South African office. Read more.

FEATURED EVENTS

The fortune at the bottom of the South African Pyramid with Eighty20 Eighty20's analysis explores the nature and extent of the opportunity at the bottom of the South African pyramid measured both in terms of individuals and annual spend. The research also explores the buying behaviour of the low-income market and presents fascinating case studies of South African pioneers who have created innovative solutions for the Bottom of the Pyramid in various industries including banking, insurance, telecommunications, FMCG and retailing. Read more.

EVENTS

RMB WineX Cape Town
30 August - 1 September 2006 - CTICC
WineX offers a comprehensive showcase of over 1 200 wines per night from more than 200 of the country's top wineries.
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ShopX Africa 2006
21 - 22 August 2006 - Durban Exhibition Centre (Conference & Expo)
7 - 9 September 2006 - Sandton Convention Centre (Trade Exhibition)
SHOP-X is the only comprehensive and influential stationary and office trade show on the African continent.
Read more.

The Fortune at the Bottom of the South African Pyramid with Eighty20
13 September 2006 - Mount Nelson Hotel (CT)
Inspired by the work of C.K. Prahalad and others on the Bottom of the Pyramid, Eighty20 brings you a fascinating overview of the low-income market in South Africa.
Read more.

Connecting with Black Diamonds
12 - 15 September 2006 - Durban, JHB & Cape Town
The UCT Unilever Institute, Research Surveys and the SABC join forces to reveal valuable insights into the lives of 'Black Diamonds'.
Read more.

Improving your Supply Chain Seminar
3, 5, 10 October - Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg
The primary objective of improving the performance of the supply chain can only be made possible through collaborative development and implementation of global business standards.
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Jozi Cheese & Wine Festival
6 - 8 October 2006 - Helderfontein Estate
The Jozi Cheese & Wine Festival will provide a fantastic day 'in the country' for visitors at the beautiful Helderfontein Estate.
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Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction
17 August 2006 - Camps Bay
Discover the exceptional wines South Africa's leading winemakers will be offering at the 21st Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction.
Read more.

Robertson Wine on the river Festival
20 - 22 October 2006 - Robertson
The Festival will offer visitors a comprehensive showcase of the Valley's wines from 40 wine farms.
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RMB WineX Gauteng
24 - 27 October 2006 - Sandton Convention Centre
RMB WineX 2006 represents the entire spectrum of Cape wine producers showcasing every wine route in the country.
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Good Food & Wine Show
2 - 5 November 2006 - Gallagher Estate
South Africa's largest food, wine and lifestyle celebration.
Read more.

Retail Loss Prevention Africa 2006
20 - 23 November 2006 - Sandton Convention Centre
Focused on delivering expert experience and know how for ensuring you reduce your losses and stock shrinkage.
Read more.