Elias Pangane began farming mielies purely to feed his family - but he’s managed to turn a humble backyard operation into a fully fledged business that now supplies Africa’s largest retail group.

South African farmer Kepas CB Melodi started his business by spotting a gap in the market - and, aided by the hands-on approach of the buying team at Shoprite and Checkers, he was able to ride the unpredictable wave of COVID-19 almost unscathed. The relationships forged between buyers and farmers like Melodi help to create a degree of certainty in an often unpredictable industry, and because of this Melodi says he has a better idea of when, and what, to plant in order to reap maximum benefits from the land.

A married couple from KwaZulu-Natal, both of whom are pensioners, have continued a family farming tradition with their inherited farm in La Mercy - and have been regular suppliers of high quality produce to the Shoprite Group for more than three decades. Balamani Govender inherited the farm from her parents, who were among the first successful farmers in the region. Together with her husband Krish Naidu, the pair have continued working the land well into their late 60s and early 70s.

Born out of a spontaneous catering decision during their daughter’s 11th birthday, and the result of many months of experimentation, determination and hard work, a husband-and-wife team from Johannesburg has successfully built a frozen convenience food business - starting with their wildly popular Browns Corn Dog range, currently available at Checkers.

In a year punctuated by an economic meltdown, the Shoprite Group’s commitment to its small suppliers have enabled these businesses to access new consumer markets and to retain much-needed jobs.

Nigerian producers will again have the opportunity to sell their fruit and vegetables directly to Shoprite customers on Saturday, 28 November, as part of the retailer’s Meet the Farmer initiative.

Schoon Bakery in Stellenbosch and Gideon Milling in Bellville are bringing their hand-crafted products to millions of people thanks to their relationship with Checkers.

Shanaaz Essa, the owner and CEO of Exquisite Cakes, fell in love with baking when she was a young girl helping her mother decorate cakes for the family.

Inspiring Small Suppliers win Shoprite Supplier Awards

The Shoprite Group’s most effective, innovative and reliable suppliers were rewarded at its 2019 Supplier Awards this past weekend.

She blended the ingredients for her instant batter in her garage and only supplied to small Corner Joe Fish and Chips shops until a partnership with the Shoprite Group helped her fulfill a long-held dream.

Since listing Mia’s Food Corp’s first roti in Shoprite’s KwaZulu-Natal stores 10 years ago, Ashraf Kader's business has grown thanks to his mother’s recipes and Shoprite’s support.