As Black Friday discussions return across South Africa, questions persist about whether promotional deals live up to expectations. While consumers debate the merits of in-store and online discounts, fresh produce stakeholders note that household spending is largely concentrated on food rather than on technology products that often dominate Black Friday promotions.
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Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO of RSA Group, says the annual focus on discounts contrasts with the value already available through the country's fresh produce markets. South Africa has 15 markets operating across major metros and outlying regions. Oosthuizen says any buyer can load funds onto a purchasing card and access produce at daily market prices.
Oosthuizen notes that the comment is made humorously but reflects a broader reality in the economy. With many households under financial pressure, the cost of securing basic food items continues to strain budgets. He says the value available at fresh produce markets remains largely under-recognised by the general public.
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According to Oosthuizen, consumers often assume markets cater only to bulk purchasers who resell produce. Although commercial buyers form a core part of market activity, thousands of smaller buyers also make use of the system. This includes informal traders, small food businesses, and households purchasing regular groceries. Prices are the same regardless of purchase size.
Market prices are set daily based on supply and demand, creating a transparent pricing mechanism that can differ markedly from retail pricing. Produce typically moves directly from farms to markets before reaching consumers, resulting in short supply chains.
Oosthuizen says the daily price discovery system often creates value that would appeal to shoppers seeking Black Friday savings. He adds that buyers who frequently seek seasonal discounts may find comparable or better value at fresh produce markets throughout the year.
© RSA GroupFor more information:
RSA Group
Tel: +27 11 613 4391
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www.rsa.co.za
