Modi acquires Choppies

RETAIL supermarket Sai Mart will assume control of Choppies Zimbabwe outlets starting January 1, marking a significant transition in Zimbabwe’s retail sector.

This development follows Choppies’ announcement of its decision to exit the Zimbabwean market as part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and profitability across its operation.

Sai Mart, owned by legislator and Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi, operates six branches in Bulawayo. Deputy Minister Modi confirmed the development during a media briefing in Bulawayo yesterday.

“As of January 1, 2025, we will take over Choppies Zimbabwe outlets, and they will be rebranded as Sai Mart,” he said.

Deputy Minister Modi, however, did not specify whether the acquisition includes all Choppies outlets nationwide or only those in Bulawayo.

Choppies entered the Zimbabwean market in 2013 by acquiring several Spar shops and expanding its footprint in 2014 by opening a distribution centre in the country. The retailer currently operates 30 grocery stores nationwide under its subsidiary, Nanavac (Pty) Ltd, trading as Choppies Zimbabwe.

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.

Choppies has faced challenges adapting to shifting consumer trends in Zimbabwe. Over the past two years, the country has witnessed a significant migration of shoppers to the informal retail sector, leading to a decline in foot traffic at formal retail outlets by as much as 30 percent.

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.

Deputy Minister Modi’s Sai Mart aims to leverage this acquisition to expand its footprint and strengthen its position in Zimbabwe’s competitive retail landscape. The rebranding of Choppies outlets under Sai Mart is expected to usher in a new era for the supermarket chain while retaining its commitment to quality and affordability for Zimbabwean shoppers.-chroncle