SOUTH AFRICA – The recent pandemic has brought copious amounts of stress, worry and uncertainty to consumers due to change in lifestyle.
This has left consumers looking for ways to alleviate that stress by turning to traditional and nostalgic foods, which offer something soothing and familiar during times of uncertainty.
Leveraging on this fast-growing trend, South African supermarket chain Pick n Pay, has launched a traditional Mzansi-inspired range of products reflecting the country’s best in look and flavour.
Dubbed Africa Rise, it comprises of five signature local flavours, Chakalaka, Chicken Dust, Nyama, Sweet Tomato Gravy and Atchar which are available across multiple product ranges including cook-in sauces, peanuts, potato crisps, fresh meat and poultry, and breads, reports Retail Brief Africa.
With the launch, Pick n Pay aims to transport many South Africans back to their childhood homes or give others a real taste for their home country.
“Truly traditional South African meals are a staple in many homes but are often missed when people move to cities. Our Africa Rise range brings these local flavours to your closest Pick n Pay, and we hope it will encourage more people to enjoy our shared heritage.
“It’s those feel-good home cooked flavours that make us proud to be South African,” says Nicki Russell, Head of Product, Merchandise at Pick n Pay.
The traditional flavours were designed following extensive research and collaboration with South Africans who revealed some of their favourite popular dishes, and the names were selected based on the unique ways referred to these on local streets.
“Our customers love local food and South Africans in general have a great enthusiasm to try different flavours,” says Russell.
The launch is timely as Pick n Pay is encouraging customers to try out the new dishes this Heritage Day, 25 September.
Still in the retail sector, Kenya’s largest locally owned supermarket chain, Naivas, has taken up the space vacated by Tuskys at Juja City Mall last year, as it continues on an aggressive expansion spree in a race to maintain its market leadership.
The retailer began operations at the 37,000 square foot space situated off Thika Road, less than two months after it opened a new store in Embakasi along Airport North Road, becoming Naivas’ 76th branch in the country.
Chief commercial officer Willy Kimani said the new branch will be a food market offering a range of consumer products including alcohol.
“This new store has been a long-standing request by our customers and through research we proved its viability and delivered a store that we are sure will meet needs of our shoppers. Juja is a vibrant area and the Naivas store will bring a truly Kenyan touch to this cultural melting pot,” said Mr Kimani.
The Juja City Mall outlet is Naiva’s eighth branch within the Thika Road vicinity with other stores being Mountain Mall, Kasarani, Eastern Bypass, Spur Mall, Kahawa West, Githurai 45 and Githurai 44.
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