The Shoprite Group’s Supplier of the Year Awards brought jubilation for smaller suppliers as Jacobs Jam, a Western Cape-based company, clinched the prestigious SMME Award, marking a remarkable leap in their trajectory since partnering with the retail giant a little over a year ago.
The awards ceremony, held at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, celebrated the invaluable contributions of various suppliers to the Shoprite Group’s success. Jacobs Jam’s win was a testament to their exponential growth following a transformative deal with Shoprite.
Nigel Jacobs, co-founder of Jacobs Jam located in Ceres, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “We want to thank the Shoprite Group for this partnership that has enabled our small company in Ceres to grow, contribute to the economy, create new jobs, and made two ordinary people’s dreams come true.”
The 2023 Supplier Awards covered 12 categories, where finalists were evaluated on diverse criteria encompassing their impact on the retailer’s growth, service levels, administration efficiency, and support at store level. Amidst formidable competition, Jacobs Jam stood out for their exceptional performance in the SMME category.
Celebrating entrepreneurship
The Grand Prix accolade, a coveted honour bestowed upon a supplier demonstrating exceptional overall performance, went to Tiger Brands. However, it was Jacobs Jam’s success that resonated strongly, symbolising the potential for smaller businesses to thrive in collaboration with major retailers like Shoprite.
The awards not only recognised Jacobs Jam’s rise but also celebrated the achievements of other notable suppliers like Hope Sonic Toys, Crispe Cookies, and Faircape Group, each contributing uniquely to Shoprite’s operations in their respective categories.
The significance of Jacobs Jam’s victory goes beyond the award itself, spotlighting the power of partnerships between retail giants and small-scale enterprises. With their win, Jacobs Jam embodies the spirit of innovation and growth potential within South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
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