As an independent family-owned business the Kit Kat Group has seen great evolution over the past 50 years and even more in the most recent decade.  Founded in 1953 by members of the Gani family, this independent wholesaler and retailer started off as the Kit Kat Café and Restaurant. Over the years, the well-established business grew in success as the café was converted into a self-service supermarket in 1973 and is still currently growing from strength to strength. Kit Kat has been able to successfully expand their store footprint around Gauteng Allowing for the expansion of their brand and stores into Limpopo through their Kit Kat Express model at the end of 2021.  Kit Kat is amongst the very few independent wholesalers to have an effective and functioning fully operating online store that caters to all shoppers.  An interesting development resulted in Kit Kat partnering with Food Lovers Market to drive growth and success with the Fresh division of their business. With its focus on partnerships, building strong relationships with suppliers and customers as well as its investment in ecommerce, data and technology, The Kit Kat Group is well positioned to continue with its growth path for the foreseeable future.

The Pick n Pay Group is a leading South African retail business in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Founded in 1967, Pick n Pay has built a strong legacy of serving customers with quality, affordability, and service excellence. Headquartered in Cape Town and listed on the JSE, the Group operates through two core brands: Pick n Pay - a multi-format retail brand serving middle to higher-income customers; and Boxer a limited-range, discount supermarket chain focused on the lower income market, in which the Group holds a 65.6% majority stake. With over 2,000 stores across South Africa and several other southern African countries, the Group’s retail formats include 

hypermarkets, supermarkets, clothing stores, liquor outlets, a growing online platform, and Pick n Pay asap! its on-demand delivery service. Through its customer-first strategy, strong private label offering, and continued investment in price and innovation, the Pick n Pay Group is committed to delivering unbeatable value, improving access to essential goods, and supporting economic inclusion 

across the region.

 

As one of Africa’s largest and most influential manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), Tiger Brands stands at the forefront of the industry. Our core expertise lies in the creation, marketing, and distribution of trusted food and beverage brands that are integral to daily life.

With a portfolio that resonates across every meal occasion, we are strategically positioned for sustained growth. In addition to our strong presence in food and beverages, we are expanding our footprint in the home and personal care sectors, reinforcing our commitment to serving communities across Africa.

At Tiger Brands, our purpose is clear: to nourish and nurture lives, enriching the everyday experiences of millions.

TrustedSource is a leading consultancy specializing in Product Information Management. Founded by a team of experienced, innovative, and motivated professionals, we have a proven track record of transforming complex business challenges into practical, effective solutions that help our clients operate with greater efficiency.

With decades of expertise in FMCG, Food & Beverages, Alcoholic Beverages, and deep knowledge of GS1 and GDSN standards, we deliver comprehensive strategies that enhance customer experience and strengthen data integrity across the value chain.

Why Manage Your Product Data?

In today’s digital-first marketplace, accurate, consistent, and trusted product data has become a business-critical asset. From suppliers to customers and ultimately to consumers, data must remain reliable and aligned across every touchpoint.

By leveraging GS1 standards, organizations ensure that product data exchange between trading partners is precise, standardised, and globally supported. Without strong data management practices, companies risk inefficiencies, compliance penalties, inconsistent online presence, and weakened customer trust.

To succeed, organisations must streamline systems that aggregate, validate, and communicate product information seamlessly. TrustedSource helps businesses close these gaps, empowering them to market with confidence and thrive in a data-driven economy.

Angelo Swartz is the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director of The SPAR Group Ltd, a role he assumed on 1 October 2023. With a career at SPAR spanning nearly two decades and a strong foundation in retail with Woolworths prior to joining SPAR, Angelo has deep knowledge of the South African retail market and a strong track record of operational excellence. He has progressed through the organisation in a variety of senior roles, including Senior Retail Operations Manager, Business Development Manager, Regional Executive, Divisional Director for Build it, and Divisional Retail Operations Director. In October 2019, Angelo was appointed Divisional Managing Director of the SPAR Eastern Cape division, and in August 2022, he took up the same role for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) division before stepping into the Group CEO role in 2023. His extensive experience across retail operations, business development, and regional leadership reflects a career built on strategic insight, grounded execution, and a deep commitment to SPAR’s purpose-led model. Angelo's leadership and strategic thinking have been pivotal in navigating market challenges and capitalising on opportunities, ensuring SPAR remains competitive and customer focused. In addition to his role as Group CEO, he serves as Chairman of The SPAR Guild of Southern Africa, reinforcing his commitment to the success and growth of independent retailers across the country. Angelo is passionate about creating long-term value through community impact, retailer empowerment, and building a sustainable future for retail in Southern Africa.

Carl Wöcke, a leading expert in artificial decision intelligence, has been actively engaged in the AI and machine learning communities over the past 25 years. As the Chief Executive Officer of Merlynn Intelligence Technologies, he leads a team at the forefront of human-to-machine knowledge transmission using machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. His influence extends to numerous international engagements in fintech, law enforcement, healthcare, risk, ethics and human capital optimization. Carl participates in various academic and research environments in South Africa and North America.

Dylan Piatti is Managing Director at Advantage Group International in Africa, working with leading suppliers, distributors, and retailers to drive competitive advantage through stronger partnerships. Ex-Vice President of a European Chamber of Commerce, former Chair of the Ecommerce Forum Africa, experience working with Government and private sector, a B20 Task Force member shaping global digital policy - Dylan brings startup agility and a decade at Deloitte to explore digital transformation, human-centric engagement, and how African businesses can grow through data-driven insights.

Jessica Boonstra is the founder and CEO of Yebo Fresh, a fast-scaling B2B e-commerce platform on a mission to empower South Africa’s underserved township communities through smart technology and inclusive innovation. Launched in 2019 from her garage, Yebo Fresh grew into a powerful force for change, leveraging data, last-mile logistics, and field intelligence to unlock access for informal retailers. Since its acquisition by Smollan in 2025, the company now reaches over 72,000 spaza shops and 145 midi wholesalers, supported by a 220-strong township-based team. Dutch-born, Jessica brings global retail experience and a deep personal passion for building impact at scale.

Having started her career at Robertsons Spices, Kerry Elliot then moved to Unilever, where she gathered a wide range of experience, from category management to building commercial propositions for Pick n Pay. Her in-depth knowledge of FMCG brought her to join Trade Intelligence (Ti) as an associate facilitator and trainer for the Ti School of Retail in 2007. Kerry now heads up the sales and CRM teams at Ti and is passionate about connecting with clients and upskilling people in the retail world by sharing her in-depth knowledge of FMCG.

Executive: Global Standards & Solutions, GS1 South Africa. With nearly 10 years at GS1 South Africa and over 27 years of senior leadership experience across retail, manufacturing, and financial services, Michele is a seasoned expert in supply chain, standards, and digital transformation. She is passionate about driving growth for Africa and building high-performing teams that create lasting impact.

Thando Ntshinga brings almost two decades of expertise in strategic research, analysis, operations, and project management across the Financial Services and FMCG sectors. Her career is defined by a strong ability to translate complex insights into actionable strategies that drive business impact. Currently serving as Director of Market Enablement at Advantage Group International (AGI), with a presence in over 45 countries, Thando leads initiatives that empower market teams with the tools, training, and frameworks needed to scale operational excellence. Her work bridges global strategy with local execution, focusing on optimising operations, building capability, and driving adoption of best practices and technologies. Prior to this, Thando spent 7 years in Program Management at AGI’s South African office, where she successfully translated client needs into tailored program designs. She led the launch and execution of programs across Grocery, Liquor, General Merchandise, and Private Label sectors, earning a promotion to Director within three years. Thando is also the founder of e-Volving, a boutique consultancy that delivers strategic research, operational, and project management services to both local and international clients in Financial Services and FMCG sectors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management, an MDP from Wits Business School along with several certifications including Media Skills (ABN) and Television Presenting (SABC/Media Concepts). A passionate communicator and performer since her school days, Thando is a seasoned MC who regularly hosts corporate and social events. She is deeply committed to mentoring young adults and intrapreneurs. Thando’s facilitation style is engaging, insightful, and people-centred—driven by her belief in leaving the world better than she found i

Unathi is the Managing Director for Southern, Central and East Africa at Mondelēz International. He is responsible for the definition of the long-term commercial roadmap, development of strategic initiatives in market advancement and revenue growth. His earlier work experience includes a stint in project engineering at HJS Automotive, with specific focus on robotics programming; eight years at the Eveready/Gillette Group in process engineering, quality control and manufacturing; 10 years at SAB/AB InBev where he fulfilled various leadership roles in sales, marketing, distribution, general management and projects; three years as Senior Director and General Manager South African Snacks (Simba) at PepsiCo. Prior to joining Mondelez, Unathi was a Managing Director at McCain Foods. His noteworthy experience is being a director at board level in the FMCG industry for local and multinational CPG organisations such Cadbury South Africa Holdings (UK registered) as well as private companies such as Chapelat-Humprhries Investments (Pty) Limited and Tolo Capital Holdings. His qualifications include a Btech Quality, a degree in Labour Law & Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Nelson Mandela University.

Zanele Morrison is a true hyphenate experienced in corporate across various industries, as an executive, board member, broadcaster, fundraising director and expert conversationalist. Her fascinating journey thus far has taken her into boardrooms across the spectrum and helped develop Zanele’s trademark insights, industry expertise and skill in extracting the right conversations. With wit, warmth and a winning personality, she is the perfect person to host conversations with leading figures in the social, developmental and corporate environments. This adds a wealth of experience to her ability to moderate business and social issue conversations whilst sharing her vast expertise. Her current role as a Fundraising Director for the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, Board Member for CII Africa and Business Anchor on CNBC Africa. Zanele is passionate about always adding value, making a difference, and striving for world class standards in collaboration with others. The first decade of her career, while studying, she chose the entrepreneurial path, consulting across various industries. These include Media and Management, Television, Facilitation, Leadership, Change and Transformation. The second part goes into local and global companies, starting with Vodacom, Accenture, EY, Mindcor Consulting and ultimately with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) as the Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs. As a true hyphenate she has the unique ability to participate in various business pursuits, thus, there is plenty to talk about. The continent of Africa belongs to its people, who know what it needs, and can solve for themselves. Her Purpose and Dream is to give Hope, to Share Africa’s narrative and help inspire those who must grow the continent, In Conversation with Zanele Morrison.

Zinhle Tyikwe is the Chief Executive Officer of GS1 South Africa, where she leads with strategic clarity, institutional integrity, and a deep commitment to inclusive advancement. Her career spans more than two decades in human resources and executive management, marked by a consistent focus on unlocking potential, driving transformation, and elevating women within the consumer goods sector and beyond. Since joining GS1 South Africa in 2013, Zinhle has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s culture and strategic direction—first as Executive for Human Resources and Communications, and now as its CEO. Her leadership is grounded in academic excellence, holding two honours degrees in Human Resources Development and Industrial Psychology & Organisational Development from UNISA, and an MBA from the University of South Wales. Zinhle’s influence has extended across sectors through her previous board roles with the Wholesale and Retail SETA and the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where she contributed to national skills development and healthcare governance. She continues to lend her voice to strategic transformation as a member of the SAB Sharp Advisory Board, helping guide responsible industry practices and community impact. As we honour the theme Empowering Women, Empowering the Future in this year’s Women Colloquy, Zinhle embodies the principle that empowered women are architects of progress. Her leadership is not only institutional—it is generational. And at the heart of her journey is her role as a mother to Wongalamasengwa and Zimkitha, where her passion for growth, development, and nurturing the future finds its most personal and profound expression.

Zoleka Lisa is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs at South African Breweries (SAB), a position she has held since July 2019. With over a decade of experience across various functions within the company, she has played a key role in shaping SAB’s reputation, public policy, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability efforts in Southern Africa. Before joining SAB, Zoleka spent more than nine years at Accenture, a global leader in strategy, consulting, digital, and technology services. As a Senior Manager, she led key initiatives that spanned a range of industries, honing her skills in strategic thinking, corporate governance, and transformational leadership. Zoleka holds a BSc in Environmental Science and Economics from the University of Cape Town and an Honours degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. She has also completed Executive Development programmes at prestigious institutions, including Wits Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the London School of Economics and Political Science. In her current role, Zoleka is a member of the executive committee and oversees the corporate affairs strategy for South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Namibia, including public policy, stakeholder relations, transformation, entrepreneurship, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Her leadership extends to key board roles, including serving as a trustee of the SAB Foundation, and contributing as a board member of the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) and she previously was a on the board for the global AB InBev Foundation and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA). Passionate about driving meaningful change, Zoleka is committed to ensuring that the initiatives she leads resonate deeply with the communities they serve. Her mission is to be an impactful business leader across Africa, with a focus on social responsibility, sustainability, and championing inclusive growth. She leads and mentors a diverse team of change a

WHO WE ARE 

The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud is an impartial, independent dispute resolution scheme established in 2013 in terms of section 82(6) of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The office of the Ombud is mandated to receive and mediate consumer complaints relating specifically to the consumer goods and services sector. We report to the National Consumer Commission, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and our board of directors. Our services are free of charge for consumers.

WHAT WE DO

We are mandated to mediate disputes and ensure that industry players abide by the Consumer Goods and Services Industry Code of Conduct, educate consumers about their rights and redress should an industry member breach the CPA or the Code and offer guidance to participating companies around compliance with the CPA.

As one of Africa’s largest and most influential manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), Tiger Brands stands at the forefront of the industry. Our core expertise lies in the creation, marketing, and distribution of trusted food and beverage brands that are integral to daily life.

With a portfolio that resonates across every meal occasion, we are strategically positioned for sustained growth. In addition to our strong presence in food and beverages, we are expanding our footprint in the home and personal care sectors, reinforcing our commitment to serving communities across Africa.

At Tiger Brands, our purpose is clear: to nourish and nurture lives, enriching the everyday experiences of millions.

Wild Medlar Projects is a project management consultancy specializing in FMCG, led by project managers with 5+ years of on-the-ground expertise. We work with businesses to deliver streamlined projects, providing clear guidelines on timelines. By leveraging organizational resources, we effectively manage risks, remove barriers, and ensure successful execution. Utilizing industry-tested methodologies and best practices, we design precise timelines and ensure comprehensive stakeholder management. In addition, our extensive database of industry suppliers allows us to provide valuable connections, enhancing the overall project value. This network enables us to source the best resources and solutions, ensuring that every project benefits from top-tier expertise and support. Our holistic approach guarantees that projects stay on track, within budget, and meet all objectives. At Wild Medlar Projects we understand the intricacies of managing complex projects, aligning stakeholders, and delivering measurable results. As an independent Project Management Consultant, we provide tailored solutions to businesses seeking flexible, high-impact leadership without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. Whether launching a new product, optimizing processes, or leading a critical business initiative, Wild Medlar Projects ensures projects stay on time, on quality, and on budget.