SHOPRITE is sourcing 75 percent of its stocks from Zambia because local suppliers are producing goods of high standards.
Shoprite Zambia general manager Charles Bota said in response to a press query that improved quality of local products is helping the local industry to grow and, therefore, sustain jobs.
Mr Bota said Shoprite is also assisting local suppliers to export some crops and processed meat products to countries where the chain store has presence.
Mr Bota cited watermelons, mangoes, sweet potatoes, peppers and sweet corn as some of the produce whose production can be increased with support from Shoprite. He also said Zambia has the potential to breed more quails.
Mr Bota said Shoprite is also helping local manufactures to export peanut butter, honey and other products to its stores outside Zambia so that local suppliers do not have to worry about permit applications and requirements.
He said when Shoprite opened its first outlet in October 1995, 90 percent of the total products were imported because there were no suppliers or proper industries of international standards.
“The company began intensive sensitisation, training and partnership with local companies to turn this around. 20 years later, we now buy about 75 percent of total business locally,” Mr Bota said.
Mr Bota said Shoprite is committed to ensure that Zambian suppliers are supported to complement Government’s efforts of boosting the local manufacturers.
“In spite of the harsh economic climate, Shoprite is optimistic that Government’s plans will help change the current situation,” he said.
One just has to enter any Shoprite store in Zambia to conclude that this 75% cannot be accurate. The brands and packaging of up to 75% of the stock is clearly imported!! Maybe Mr Bota intended to say they had reduced their imports from 90% to 75%.
Who’s Shorite now?
Is it Shorite or Shoprite; our journalists of nwadays, nowander you report fake news sometimes.
Charles Bota is being cheated by his procurement manager. Just walk among the aisles in any Shoprite and see the imported goods for yourself. That’s the trouble with Zambian managers, kowtowing to a junior expatriate to please the South African bosses.
I applaud Shoprite for this change over the last 20 years. Of course there will be imported items – but 75% locally is excellent. Now if SPAR was willing to do the same instead of importing almost everything from South Africa. Shoprite is leading the way – this is how business should be run!
A more correct statement would have been that they now stock more locally packaged products. Why make us feel proud, when few of our industries actually produce, the rest are packagers and wholesale depots.
but why should local always be more expensive? currently only S’rite has mealie meal at K100. contributing to inflationary trends. we should however be thankful for an export leeway for local products. It just had to wait for S’rite for this xport market strategy to take effect! where’re local marketing firms? time to consider bringing back niec perhaps?