Sai Mart takes over Choppies Zimbabwe operations

Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]

NANAVAC (Pvt) Ltd, trading as Choppies Zimbabwe, has officially announced the transfer of its operations to Sai Mart, effective January 1.

Sai Mart, owned by Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi, has been operating six branches in Bulawayo and will now take over Choppies’ operations across the country.

In a statement, Choppies assured stakeholders that the transition would be seamless, with no job losses for employees.

“This serves to notify you that the Choppies business in Zimbabwe has been sold to Sai Mart. 

“Kindly note that business operations will continue as normal, without any disturbances,” read the notice. 

The company also confirmed that all local staff, including management and general employees, have been retained under Sai Mart. 

“On behalf of Choppies Management and the board of directors, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our valued customers and stakeholders for their support,” the statement added.

Choppies had announced its intention to exit the Zimbabwean market in November last year, citing a strategic decision to focus on sustainable growth and profitability across its regional operations.

The Botswana-based retail giant first entered the Zimbabwean market in 2013 by acquiring several Spar outlets. It expanded further in 2014 by establishing a distribution centre to enhance its supply chain.

However, in recent years, Choppies faced mounting challenges in adapting to Zimbabwe’s evolving retail landscape. A significant shift in consumer behaviour saw more shoppers migrating to the informal retail sector, resulting in a 30 percent decline in foot traffic at formal retail outlets. 

In November, Choppies announced its plans to sell its Zimbabwean operations. In a press release, the company’s board of directors informed shareholders that it had entered discussions regarding the potential sale of Nanavac’s business operations for cash. 

The sale, subject to certain conditions and regulatory approvals, aligns with Choppies’ strategic intent to focus on profitable retail operations.

Founded in 1986 by Ramachandran Ottapathu and Farouk Ismail, Choppies Enterprises is Botswana’s largest retail chain. 

The company has built a robust distribution network across South Africa, Zambia, Kenya and Zimbabwe, catering to diverse markets with a mix of international food brands and private-label products.