Meet the Maker: Pick n Pay to highlight local small suppliers on shelf

Entrepreneurs from Pick n Pay’s Enterprise & Supplier Development programme who are participating in the PnP Meet the Maker showcase.

Speaking at the launch on Monday at the Pick n Pay Hypermarket in Brackenfell Cape Town, Suzanne Ackerman-Berman, Pick n Pay director of transformation, says that for years Pick n Pay has integrated products from small suppliers onto its shelves, but believes more can be done to promote these products in-store.

“We’ve wanted to take our support a step further in our stores,” explained Adrian Naude, Pick n Pay group executive: hypermarkets. “When in an aisle, a customer is faced with many options. We want to make it easier for customers to support local small business brands. This unique platform for our small suppliers will showcase their products, and tell customers about their business journey too.”

The showcase will be trialed over a three-month period in eight stores across the country: Durban North, Faerieglen, Norwood, Seapoint, Wynberg, Waterfront, Claremont and Brackenfell.

Customers will be able to read about each entrepreneur behind the respective brands being showcased in a leaflet made available in-store. Naude adds, “We want our customers to know that by buying one of these products, they are not just supporting small business, but helping to create employment and uplift local communities.”

One of the small businesses participating in the showcase is father and son duo, Patrick and Emile Langeveldt from Greenworld Chemical Services and Supplies. Supplying Pick n Pay with its house brand firelighters, Patrick says that they are excited about the concept. “This will really stimulate awareness for small suppliers, as well as promote the idea that small suppliers can deliver quality products.”

Patrick and Emile Langeveldt from Greenworld Chemical Services and Supplies.

He explains that he started supplying Pick n Pay in 2010 when they joined the retailer’s Enterprise and Supplier (ESD) Development programme, and today the PnP Firelighter brand is the most bought firelighter in-store nationally. Founding the business in 1985, he now employs eight people who ensure that only the best is produced and packed.

“The world of retail has certainly been an experience, especially the intricate processes which have certainly tested our abilities. The saving grace is the communication we have with our PnP buyer who is always willing to assist,” says Patrick.

Other ESD suppliers participating in the Meet the Maker showcase include Comessa Food Services, Musgrave Gin, Khayelitsha Cookies, Allergen Baker, Sage Kitchen, Oryx Desert Salt and Mojo Me.

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Equipping entrepreneurs to fulfill retail requirements

It’s often difficult for small suppliers to meet the standards required by large retailers, and this is why Pick n Pay established its ESD programme. In 2018, the retailer partnered with more than 100 small businesses and invested approximately R170 million into supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through mentorship and business development.

Suzanne Ackerman-Berman (Pick n Pay: director of transformation) and Mishinga Seyuba Kombo (head: Pick n Pay enterprise and supplier development).

Ackerman-Berman believes that Pick n Pay’s ESD programme is equipping small businesses to fill the requirements of retailers and get their products on shelf.

“More importantly, we believe retailers need to create a sustainable ‘pond’ for entrepreneurs to ‘fish’ in. Apart from giving small businesses access to market, we need to ensure they remain long-term, sustainable suppliers to Pick n Pay. We hope this great new platform yields further success for these proudly South African small business owners and the people they employ,” concludes Ackerman-Berman.