Wholesalers & Retailers

Introduction 

There is very little manufacturing happening in the province. This leads to most of the end-products being imported from other provinces, especially Gauteng. The main wholesale and retail players in the province are the ones that are found nationally, like Pick n Pay and the Spar groups. 

This industry has recently moved to the centralization of supply distribution in a move to boost profit. Under the system suppliers no longer deliver to each supermarket but to centralized warehouses. Under a centralized distribution centre (DC) system, individual suppliers would deliver to a retailer's regional distribution hub. Thereafter, the retailer would ship all the products ordered by a particular store in a limited number of trucks. The total number of these distribution centers is currently not available. 

Mode of Transport 

The mode of transport used is road. The road transport is outsourced and the vehicle configuration varies from rigid vehicles to articulated refrigerated vehicles. 

A single distribution centre can receive on a daily basis approximately 43 - 44 truckloads of refrigerated fresh produce, as indicated these vary in size. 

The peak period is the December holidays and Easter. This can be associated with the influx of visitors, nationally as well as internationally. People have also budgeted to spend more during these periods. 

Volumes – Annual Tonnages 

Unfortunately, the distribution centre measures the consignment in units (boxes), which varies in weight, and therefore it is difficult to give an estimated tonnage. 

The distribution centres handles a minimum of 10 200 units (boxes) and a maximium of 34 000 units on a daily basis. 

Issues 

The common areas of concern are the poor road conditions as well as the delay at weighbridges.