required report public distribution date 11 20 2006 gain number sf6048 south africa republic of retail food sector annual approved by scott reynolds us embassy prepared margaret ntloedibe highlights african retailers continue to dominate the top five spots in and middle east ranking mainly due their position s largest market leaders shoprite pick n pay spar massmart woolworths have been busy adapting changing conditions perfecting store formats while expanding across borders into southern countries beyond additionally are going organic two leading chain stores that looking for suppliers beverages baby vitamins supplements also beauty skincare products natural has grown 300 over past years is expected grow at 30 per year next there only 200 certified producers compared mexico with approximately 35 000 4 wine were 750