Johannesburg, October 2024 – Smollan has acquired Yebo Fresh, a leading e-commerce platform dedicated to township communities, in a bold move to reshape South Africa’s general trade landscape and boost township economies. This strategic partnership combines Yebo Fresh’s digital innovations with Smollan’s extensive operational reach, retail data, and merchandising expertise, creating powerful advantages for brands, spaza shops, and (midi) wholesalers across the country.

Empowering Brands with Advanced Data and Tech-Driven Insights

The Yebo Fresh and Smollan partnership offers unparalleled opportunities for brands looking to deepen their footprint in South Africa’s informal market, valued at over R184 billion annually. Together, they provide a unique mix of data insights, digital tools, and on-the-ground field operations, enabling brands to enter this rapidly growing segment with precision and agility.

A key advantage is the partnership’s network of over 200 tech-equipped agents dedicated to servicing spaza shops and wholesalers. These agents gather critical real-time data, run targeted marketing campaigns, optimize product displays, and build brand awareness directly within township communities. Their presence allows for ongoing engagement with local businesses, creating a continuous feedback loop that enables brands to adjust their strategies based on emerging market trends and needs.

By leveraging Yebo Fresh’s innovative tech platform and Smollan’s extensive sales and distribution network, brands can now access unprecedented insights into purchasing patterns, category trends, and market gaps in the informal sector. The partnership uses advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI-driven data models to transform raw sales data into actionable business intelligence, offering a level of visibility into consumer behavior that was previously unattainable. Brands can now make data-driven decisions that optimize product offerings, refine distribution strategies, and tailor pricing more precisely to meet demand, enhancing both reach and relevance in township markets.

Strengthening Spaza Shops and Boosting Local Economies

Beyond supporting brands, this acquisition brings considerable benefits to spaza shops and other informal retailers, which play a central role in township economies. By streamlining access to products and services, Yebo Fresh and Smollan provide local traders with valuable digital tools—such as real-time sales data, self-service ordering platforms, and training on retail best practices—that enhance their operational capabilities and enable smarter business decisions. This support not only reduces costs for spaza shops but also fosters resilience and growth, creating ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.

The combined resources of Yebo Fresh and Smollan create a more efficient, data-driven supply chain that helps local businesses remain competitive and sustainable in an ever-evolving market. With increased access to essential goods, financial services, and technology, township retailers can operate with greater efficiency, reduce operating costs, and expand their reach, further driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for local traders and entrepreneurs.

Jessica Boonstra, CEO and Founder of Yebo Fresh, commented, “We’re on a mission to make it easier and more seamless for local retailers to stock up on what they need, grow their businesses, and uplift their communities. Partnering with Smollan accelerates our ability to bring value to township businesses, making a real impact on the ground.”

A Commitment to Positive Social Impact

This acquisition also underscores Smollan and Yebo Fresh’s shared commitment to economic empowerment in township economies. By reducing barriers to entry, improving product access, and supporting small enterprises, the partnership aims to build a sustainable and inclusive model that benefits both businesses and consumers in underserved markets.

This long-term vision aligns with Smollan’s broader mission to drive social impact through commerce. “This partnership reflects our mission to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve,” said Dave Little, Client Executive at Smollan. “By leveraging Yebo Fresh’s digital innovations alongside our operational and commercial strength, we’re creating new pathways for growth in township economies, while helping brands succeed in this critical market segment.”

About Smollan: Founded in 1931, Smollan is a global retail solutions provider with over 80,000 employees in 65 countries, delivering growth for brands across five continents by combining data, technology, and people-driven solutions to create value for clients and partners.

About Yebo Fresh: Established in 2019, Yebo Fresh is an e-commerce platform focused on delivering groceries and essential goods to South Africa’s township communities. Committed to social impact, Yebo Fresh provides innovative solutions that empower local businesses and drive sustainable economic growth.

For more information:

• Smollan Media Office: media@smollan.com
• Yebo Fresh Media Office: press@yebofresh.co.za