Amazon has taken another bold step in its expansion strategy in South Africa by adding non-perishable groceries, pet supplies, and health supplements to its local online store.
The move positions the global e-commerce giant to compete more aggressively with well-established local platforms, particularly Takealot.com.
South African shoppers can now purchase a range of dry food items, pantry staples, and wellness products from both international and homegrown brands.
Global household names like Nestlé, Red Bull, and Starbucks are now available alongside beloved local favorites such as Koo canned goods, Beacon sweets, and Simba snacks.
“This expansion is about giving South Africans more choices,” said Robert Koen, Managing Director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Since our launch, customer feedback has pointed strongly to demand in these specific categories.”
Philile Mabolloane, Amazon South Africa’s Retail Head for Consumables, added that shoppers are already responding well to the new offerings, with bulk and multipack items seeing particularly strong traction.
While the rollout currently includes only non-perishable items, the timing is strategic. South Africa’s e-commerce grocery sector has been booming, with services like Checkers Sixty60 setting a high bar by delivering fresh goods in under 60 minutes.
Amazon’s entry with pantry and wellness goods may signal a phased approach, with future offerings potentially expanding into fresh produce and cold-chain items.
Delivery options include same-day and next-day shipping in major cities, and over 3,000 pickup points across the country.
First-time customers benefit from free delivery, and orders over R500 also qualify for free shipping.
Amazon’s expansion comes just months after its official launch in South Africa, and underscores its intent to become a one-stop shop for the nation’s online consumers.
With competition heating up and customer expectations growing, Amazon’s local push into consumables may mark the beginning of a deeper transformation in South Africa’s digital retail space.
Also Read
Postbank Sounds Alarm Over Rise in Impostor Scams Targeting SASSA Beneficiaries
Valterra Platinum Launches on Global Stage After Historic Anglo American Demerger