SECTOR EXPERTISE

Consumer Goods and Services

Align with a strategic partner to navigate disruption and unlock value

We combine bespoke solutions with advisory services to help you adapt to evolving trends and solve regional challenges in this vibrant sector.

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TOTAL DEAL VALUE

R11.7 bn

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DEALS DONE

22

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TOTAL CLIENTS

180

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THOUGHTS FROM OUR LEADERS

Massive disruptions offer unprecedented opportunities – if you know where to look for them

The African Consumer Goods and Services sector is at a critical tipping point. It is facing unprecedented disruptions, but also significant growth opportunities – and the global pandemic has only amplified the challenges already confronting it.

Choice, speed, convenience, health, environmental impact, individualism and personalisation are all rapidly evolving factors, shaking up traditional stalwarts and making them vulnerable to digital incumbents unhindered by legacy infrastructure and its associated costs.

The opportunity in this new consumer-led world lies in how quickly corporates can adapt – requiring a reinvention of the sector as a whole to shape a ‘new normal’ that caters to all socio-economic groups.

At Absa CIB, we recognise that our role is far greater than simply tailoring solutions to the needs of our individual customers. We see ourselves as a strategic partner with a long-term commitment to our clients.

In leveraging data-driven insights on consumer behaviour, along with our deep knowledge and on-the-ground presence in African markets and our long-standing sector networks and relationships, we’re able to advise and support our clients to meet their operational requirements and growth ambitions.

And in the midst of the uncertainty of the global pandemic, we have further extended balance sheets, demonstrating our commitment to both the industry and our clients, as well as the long-term view we adopt in our relationships as we journey a brave new world together.

Isana Cordier

Head: Consumer Goods and Services

Latest insights

Data-driven insights on the trends impacting this evolving sector.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: November 2024

While Black Friday 2024 marked a modest improvement over the previous year’s dismal performance, it fell short of the double-digit growth achieved in 2022. The post-payday boost contributed to a rise in overall card spending from 3% to 6% during Black Friday 2024, despite a slight softening in transaction volumes.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: October 2024

Consume This, CGS Monthly: Volume 10. After a dip in September, card spending and transaction volumes rebounded strongly in October. This uptick can be attributed to factors such as the recent 2-pot retirement reform and overall economic improvement. This positive trend is particularly promising  for this Black Friday, Cyber Monday and upcoming Festive Season.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: October 2024

In an era of accelerated change, navigating the vast consumer goods and services landscape can be daunting. This newsletter forms part of a series of reports curated by industry experts, leveraging Absa internal and global data sources, as well as local research across the consumer goods and services sector to bring you the latest insights and trends.

BLACK FRIDAY

SA Shoppers Should Brace for Fewer Black Friday Bargains

American novelist, Herman Melville once wrote: “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” This quote felt apt as we review consumer habits and the annual “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” trade events.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: September 2024

Is the two-pot retirement system giving consumers extra money to spend? We know the financial health of the consumer has been under strain for a prolonged period, leading to a decline in card spending and volumes. The latest Merchant Spend Analytics reports how consumers may be using a portion of their two-pot retirement system payouts to settle short-term debt and restore household spending.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: August 2024

Could consumer spending be on an upward trend? We are excited to share our latest Merchant Spend Analytics report. The report offers insights on consumer spending habits, derived from a vast array of card transaction data. By examining patterns and trends within this data, we have gained valuable insights into the preferences, behaviours and spending power of consumers across various categories.

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