Shoprite Group invests R24 million to keep cabbage prices affordable

The Shoprite Group said it invested R24 million to keep the price of cabbage at a minimum in an effort to help South Africans battling the cost-of-living crisis. 

The retailer said that in the 2025 financial year, the group spent R24 million to cap the price in Usave stores to just R12.99 and Shoprite at R14.99.

The Group added that it is often sold for less in their stores.

For millions of South Africans, cabbage is a daily staple that’s filling, packed with nutrition, and affordable.

Shoprite said in a statement, "Because the Group understands the importance of cabbage in South Africans’ diets, it has, for the past two-and-a-half years, been quietly investing millions to keep it affordable.  Cabbage isn’t just another vegetable. In many ways, it stands as an original “superfood”, just without the modern-day marketing hype."

During the Second World War, cabbage was promoted as a “Victory Garden” crop because it was hardy, easy to grow, and versatile enough to stretch family meals when meat was scarce.

Today, it remains just as important in communities under economic pressure.

Cabbage is a low-calorie food rich in vitamins C and K, fibre, antioxidants, and minerals. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, but also one of the cheapest. 

Unlike some regional fruits and vegetables, it also grows easily across South Africa, from Limpopo to the Western Cape. Because of this, it has long been a cornerstone of informal markets and household food gardens.

Why Shoprite stepped in 

In 2024, South Africa produced more than 160,000 tons of cabbage for the formal market, and far more if informal and smallholder production was included. 

Yet despite its abundance, it isn’t immune to rising costs.

Fuel, fertiliser, water shortages, and transport challenges have driven prices up, making it harder to afford by the families who rely on it most.

"By absorbing costs and capping prices at a maximum of R12.99 in Usave and R14.99 in Shoprite supermarkets, even though actual prices in stores may vary by region and are often lower, the Group has taken another deliberate step to support household food security.

When the cost price rose to as much as R25 during the year, the capped prices remained firmly in place," the retailer said.

 “Cabbage is an integral part of many South African diets. It is resilient, nutritious, tasty, and familiar. By keeping it affordable, we are investing in food security, dignity, and health for millions,” Quintin Paladin, General Manager: Freshmark and Fresh Foods said.

 BUSINESS REPORT