South Africa’s retail and agricultural sector is shocked and saddened by the passing of prominent South African businessman and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, best known for his role in the retail industry as the founder of the Pick n Pay supermarket chain.
Christo van der Rheede, well-respected agriculturist and Agri SA chief executive officer knew the Ackerman family quite well. “I have the deepest admiration and respect for the achievements of the late Raymond Ackerman,” Van der Rheede told Food For Mzansi.
“I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones, and those who he is leaving behind,” he said.
The retail legend died at the age of 92, Pick n Pay confirmed on Thursday.
Ackerman’s tremendous contribution
Although Ackerman is not primarily known for his involvement in the agricultural sector, his contributions to the country’s economy and community development have indirectly benefitted the sector in several ways.
By establishing and expanding the Pick n Pay supermarket chain, Ackerman has created thousands of job opportunities for South Africans in both urban and rural areas. Many of these jobs are related to the agricultural sector, including those involved in the supply chain, distribution, and in-store operations.
“I trust that his family will remember his legacy and continue to build on it. He made a tremendous contribution in terms of establishing Pick n Pay as one of South Africa’s leading retail outlets,” Van der Rheede said.
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Pick n Pay, a key lifeline for the agri sector
Pick n Pay’s dedication to small-scale farmers is widely documented. Some of their support includes training programmes, access to markets, and financial assistance which helped farmers improve their agricultural practices and livelihoods.
“Pick n Pay has really given the agricultural sector a massive boost in that there is a big market that we can supply vegetables, fruits and so forth.
“We knew that there would be a continuous demand for products. No wonder the agricultural sector has grown and increased yields over time and it has become one of the leading and advanced agricultural sectors in the world,” Van der Rheede said.
He added that the impact Pick n Pay has had on Mzansi’s agricultural sector, under the leadership of Ackerman, should not be forgotten.
Ilse Ruthford, managing director of Compagniesdrift, a wine company that has been supplying wine to Pick n Pay, expressed her sadness upon hearing the news about Ackerman’s passing.
“He was indeed one of South Africa’s greatest retail entrepreneurs who left deep footprints in his industry and our country. May his successors continue to build on the great legacy he left behind,” she said.
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Ruthford told Food For Mzansi that Compagniesdrift is a 100% community-owned organisation and they are indeed grateful for the Pick n Pay partnership and all the opportunities they have given the company so far.
“Our wine brand has been listed within Pick n Pay since September 2021 in over 170 stores nationwide,” she said.
“This listing has been beneficial for us in many ways, not only financially, but also in increasing our brand visibility in South Africa. We appreciate their support in helping us to become a successful South African wine business.”
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