South African retail for the next six months
Falling short of gazing into a crystal ball, one can only speculate what effects the recent global trends will have on consumer spending and retailers. On the whole conditions don’t look favourable, especially looking at durable and semi-durable items. Food retailers, on the other hand, remain more resilient through tough economic periods.
But, there are a few more problems on the horizon, such as a weakening job market. Job losses coupled with increased household debt are an issue for retailers because, without jobs, consumers lack disposal income to spend.
The weak job market is seen in the manufacturing industry where reports say that manufacturing output slows down in major economies. Smaller industries have also being hard hit, such as, the South African wine bottling industry, which has experienced several job losses of late as a result of bottling plants closing their doors (SA wine bottling industry in economic decline).
Retailers will have to brace themselves for a difficult period ahead.
Wendy Smith
Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by emailing the editor
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Fastmoving Spotlight
new products · brand activity · liqour · jobs · events
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· Heinz Looks Toward Emerging Markets
Coming off record results in its fiscal 2011, food maker H.J. Heinz is counting on growth in emerging markets to help it add to its bottom line. The 142-year old firm is best known for its ketchup. But it also makes a variety of other condiments, as well as sauces, snacks and frozen foods.
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· Twelve consecutive 'Top Brand Award' wins for Tastic
Tastic has again proudly scooped the 2011 Sunday Times Top Brand Award in the 'Essential Foods' category. Avusa Media, in partnership with TNS Research Surveys, conducts an annual field research study with around 3500 consumers in both metropolitan and rural areas across the country in order to identify and acknowledge top performing brands that are successfully addressing consumer needs and expectations.
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· Retail Sales No Longer Tradeable in the US
The list of retailers still reporting monthly same-store sales figures is slowly whittling down. Starting in August, just 22 companies will release the figures, begging the question: Has the sample size become too small to analyze?
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Brand Activity
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Clorets Launches a Fruity Fresh Breath Partner: Cherry Menthol!
Popular chewing-gum brand Clorets, renowned as the ‘Fresh Breath Expert’ is proud to introduce its first ever fruit flavoured chewing gum called Cherry Menthol.
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Sasko Bakeries Competition
Buy a loaf of Sasko Omega-3, Sasko All-in-One, Sasko Low GI White, or SASKO Low GI Whole Wheat bread in the month of August and you could win a LG 42 inch Plasma TV and home theatre system.
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Featured Brands
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Cape Herb and Spice
Founded in 1994, Cape Herb and Spice (PTY) LTD has established itself as an internationally recognized producer of top quality value added herb and spice products. Focusing on uncompromised quality, innovation and service we’ve built sustained partnerships with key market players locally and internationally.
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Bobtail
Bobtail Natures best dry dog food is a tasty and complete food that has the right combination of animal based protein (including premium chicken meal) plus the right combination of cereals, to ensure a naturally long and healthy life for your dog.
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Featured Retail Services
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Digipos Store Solutions
DigiPoS Store Solutions is the first choice for many retailers across the globe. Operating across 16 divisions, DigiPoS delivers innovative technology to retailers and point of service businesses. DigiPoS develops award winning hardware, software and professional services and is a leader in technology development in terms of system design, through to integration of software applications and hardware solutions.
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Time Link Cargo
Time Link Cargo is a privately owned logistics Company which operates branches nationally and with Head Office in Cape Town.The Company is service orientated focusing mainly on long distance transport, national distribution, warehousing and logistical solutions. Directors, management and staff have committed themselves to providing a superior and unique service to the industry and at the same time ensuring each customer receives efficient, reliable and cost effective service at all times.
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Retail Services News
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First time passes for Imperial Logistics CIMA graduates
Four Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) learners within the IMPERIAL Logistics Graduate Development Programme recently passed the TOPCIMA exam, first time round. The CIMA Learnership is a registered workplace programme by FASSET, the SETA responsible for the Accounting, Finance and Management sectors.
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FMCG Jobs
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Graduate positions available at Oceana Group from January 2012
The Oceana Group was incorporated in 1918 and is listed on the JSE. The Group is involved in the fishing and allied services sector and engages in the catching, processing and procurement of marine species. The group has job opportunities for graduates from January 2012.
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Financial Executive (For a leading FMCG company’s international division)
My client, one of SA's leading FMCG companies, is looking to appoint a Financial Executive for their international division. You will be responsible for managing and consolidating results from a number of operations based in Africa and will be appointed as a board member for some of these companies.
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Trade Channel Planner
We have an exciting opportunity for an innovative, proactive individual that has a passion for Trade and Shopper Marketing. We need a highly motivated, self directed, strategically minded individual with strong business acumen and a proven track record in Trade Marketing.
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Strategy Recruitment Marketing
Strategy Recruitment Marketing is focused on providing tailor-made, alternative recruitment solutions that are based on out-the-box strategic and creative thinking, detailed processes, and keeping abreast of the latest recruitment practices and technology through understanding each client´s critical success factors, to produce impactful results cost-effectively.
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Talented Selections
Talented Selections is committed to identifying highly talented, exceptional individuals who have built solid careers at a middle and senior management level and like us are passionate about what they do. Talented Selections was established in 1998 and offers a customised recruitment solution to the FMCG industry.
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Zakhele Staffing Solutions
Zakhele Staffing Solutions believes in developing and maintaining Long-Term relationships with Candidates and Clients. Our objective is to introduce exceptional Human Capital to enhance the productivity of the company as well as the opportunities for individuals.
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Nicolene Di Bartolo
Leadership is action... not position! Business Leaders engage our services to identify individuals who will elevate their organisations to new heights. It is our mission to source exceptional talent in mid-to executive management levels across all job categories. We support these extraordinary individuals in furthering their careers
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Events
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Food Safety Conference: 21 - 24 November 2011
With recent amendments and changes in legislation ( The Consumer Protection Act 2008, Food Labeling and Advertising Regulations) as well as consumers becoming more aware of their rights, no food manufacturer or producer can afford to miss IIR’s Food Safety Conference.
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2011 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Wines announced
Exceptional wines with a creative edge and great diversity of styles is the hallmark of the 2011 selection of exclusive wines that will go under the hammer at the 27th Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction at Spier outside Stellenbosch on Saturday, 1 October.
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CGCSA to Host Annual Conference
This year’s conference promises to bring together over 500 delegates from industry experts and thought leaders to top government officials, this year’s conference will raise the bar and play a leading role in providing insight into the industry trends and outlook. Mr. Mncane Mthunzi, CGCSA CEO, said: “The 2010 conference was a huge success and we are extremely excited by the caliber and quality of speakers that we have been able to secure for the 2011 conference including top international speakers”.
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Global Sources China Sourcing Fairs
Cater to more customers with a wide variety of products from China.
· Global Sources, Baby & Children's Products China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Hardware & Building Materials China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Garments and Textiles China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Gifts & Premiums China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Home Products China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Solar & Energy Saving Products China Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Electronics China Sourcing Sourcing Fair
· Global Sources, Fashion Accessories China Sourcing Fair
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InneSense Cellar2Cellar Trail Run & Wine Experience
Lace up those trainers and join the colourful parade of wine lovers with a sense of adventure off the beaten track amongst the vineyards for the 2nd Innesense Cellar2Cellar Trail Run & Wine Experience in the picturesque Paradyskloof outside Stellenbosch on Saturday, 17 September 2011.
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Be prepared for the fifth Limpopo Wine Show
Polokwane wine enthusiasts and show-goers should plan for the annual Old Mutual Limpopo Wine Show. Taking place at the Meropa Casino & Entertainment World for the fifth time on 29 and 30 July, the festival is also a good reason for Gautengers to “make a weekend of it”. Offering a great number of delicious wines for tasting and purchase, Cape winemakers and producer representatives from 50 exhibitors look forward to sharing their wines and within the relaxed and fun atmosphere of the Meropa facilities.
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Salt & wine pairing dinner with oriental flair in Die Bergkelder
The latest in a series of salt and wine pairing dinners held in Die Bergkelder on the last Thursday of every month offers guests a range of oriental dishes from sushi to lemongrass ice cream, all showcasing the versatility of Fleur du Cap’s elegant Unfiltered wines.
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SAAFoST one-day labelling workshop at the Durban University of Technology
Good news for KZN Members is that the SAAFoST Labelling and Advertising of Food Workshop is going to be repeated in Durban.
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Soweto Wine Festival hits the mark with Tops
South Africa’s first and biggest township-based wine festival, the successful 2011 Soweto Wine Festival, has signed up a 3-year headline sponsorship with South Africa’s largest liquor retail outlet, Tops at SPAR, adding serious punch to the growth of the festival.
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Featured Client
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Active Clients
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