Our goal is to enable consumers to improve their health and wellbeing by
providing affordable good nutrition.
Context
Public health in South Africa is in crisis, with the 2023
National Food and Nutrition Security Survey indicating
that 63,5% of South African households are food insecure.
High rates of obesity and lifestyle-related non-communicable
diseases (NCDs) occur alongside hunger and malnutrition,
disproportionately affecting lower-income households.
Although public aspirations for health and wellness are
rising, economic constraints limit most people's ability to
afford healthier options. Regulatory controls related to public
health, such as front-of-pack food labelling, marketing to
children and a sugar tax, are gaining momentum, impacting
food processing and marketing companies.
Approach
As Africa's largest food company, we aim to positively
influence consumer health and nutrition throughout the
value chain. We focus on crafting food products with
transparent nutrition messaging and strong brands that
promote healthier choices and improve public health
outcomes. Fortifying foods with essential vitamins and
minerals help reduce nutrient deficiencies and provides
broader health benefits. Simple, clear nutritional information
on packaging empowers consumers, while responsible
marketing practices encourage healthier choices among
children and adolescents. Additionally, providing affordable,
healthy foods helps address the nutritional challenges
faced by economically stressed households.
We see valuable commercial opportunities in health and
nutrition and our strategy positions the company for growth
in this segment. It addresses South Africa's pressing health
challenges, regulatory developments in labelling, marketing
and nutrition, as well as the growing demand for healthier
products. By building a portfolio of affordable, nutritious
products that also meet consumers' convenience needs,
we aim to strengthen customer relationships, support
broader societal sustainability goals and enhance the
resilience of our business model.
In response to South Africa's constrained economic
environment and to better address nutrition inequality, we
are sharpening our focus on affordability and value in the
development of healthier products. From 2024 onwards,
our strategy will concentrate on democratising nutrition,
driving innovation and enhancing education through our
core brands. Our overarching aim is to close the nutrient
gap by expanding the nutritional options within our core
range and offering a wide consumer base affordable
solutions to meet their nutritional needs. We will prioritise
consumer education on the nutritional value of our brands
and products, including portion control, methods for
creating nutritious meals, and the inherent benefits of
our offerings.
Our 2030 targets
Democratise good nutrition for everyday Southern
African consumers by ensuring healthier options
are affordable and accessible
65% of our food portfolio (excluding Home,
Personal Care & Baby, and Snacks and Treats) to
meet our EWLW nutritional standards for healthier
product categories.
Our key initiatives
Develop nutritional standards for our products that
meet or exceed globally recognised nutritional
guidelines
Develop more nutritious, affordable food products,
including fortification of new and existing products
Leverage our brand and marketing activities to
promote consumer nutrition and health awareness
and inspire positive behaviour change
Play a leading role in modern food labelling
practices
Health and nutrition
Our goal is to enable consumers to improve their health and wellbeing by providing affordable good nutrition.
Context
Public health in South Africa is in crisis, with the 2023 National Food and Nutrition Security Survey indicating that 63,5% of South African households are food insecure. High rates of obesity and lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occur alongside hunger and malnutrition, disproportionately affecting lower-income households. Although public aspirations for health and wellness are rising, economic constraints limit most people's ability to afford healthier options. Regulatory controls related to public health, such as front-of-pack food labelling, marketing to children and a sugar tax, are gaining momentum, impacting food processing and marketing companies.
Approach
As Africa's largest food company, we aim to positively influence consumer health and nutrition throughout the value chain. We focus on crafting food products with transparent nutrition messaging and strong brands that promote healthier choices and improve public health outcomes. Fortifying foods with essential vitamins and minerals help reduce nutrient deficiencies and provides broader health benefits. Simple, clear nutritional information on packaging empowers consumers, while responsible marketing practices encourage healthier choices among children and adolescents. Additionally, providing affordable, healthy foods helps address the nutritional challenges faced by economically stressed households.
We see valuable commercial opportunities in health and nutrition and our strategy positions the company for growth in this segment. It addresses South Africa's pressing health challenges, regulatory developments in labelling, marketing and nutrition, as well as the growing demand for healthier products. By building a portfolio of affordable, nutritious products that also meet consumers' convenience needs, we aim to strengthen customer relationships, support broader societal sustainability goals and enhance the resilience of our business model.
In response to South Africa's constrained economic environment and to better address nutrition inequality, we are sharpening our focus on affordability and value in the development of healthier products. From 2024 onwards, our strategy will concentrate on democratising nutrition, driving innovation and enhancing education through our core brands. Our overarching aim is to close the nutrient gap by expanding the nutritional options within our core range and offering a wide consumer base affordable solutions to meet their nutritional needs. We will prioritise consumer education on the nutritional value of our brands and products, including portion control, methods for creating nutritious meals, and the inherent benefits of our offerings.
Our 2030 targets
Our key initiatives