On Thursday (07/03/2019), an audible sigh of relief went up across the land – Eskom was granted only a 13.8% increase for 2019/20 by the regulator instead of the 15% it had applied for.

Consumers are likely to be hit hard by rising food costs after Eskom was granted above-inflation price increases by the energy regulator for the next three years, according to FNB.

RCL Foods is appealing to the SA government to limit cheap imports of chicken and sugar after an influx from the Americas weighed on the local producer.

South Africa’s informal business sector serves a burgeoning consumer market worth more than R100billion in the country’s rural areas, townships and cities, presenting opportunities for corporates and traditional small businesses.

Available economic activity data has shown that the economy ended last year on a weaker footing, with December retail sales figures being the latest to disappoint, declining for the first time in nearly two years.

According to the latest Mastercard Love Index, South Africans are willing to dig deeper into their pockets to spoil the ones they love on Valentine’s Day, splashing out on experiences like dining out and travel rather than on traditional gifts.

The Cape's three-year drought has taken its toll on the wine industry and early indications are that this year's harvest will be even lower than the poor 2018 harvest.

As debt-laden shoppers tighten their belts, retailers are left with fewer and fewer options

The drought has failed to put a damper on South Africa’s wine industry as export figures rose 4 percent to R9.06 billion in 2018. Photo: Reuters

Distell, which owns brands such as Nederburg and Durbanville Hills has launched a stand-alone company to drive global sale of its premium wines. Libertas Vineyards and Estates will house portfolio of premium wines

In a first gut punch for consumers for 2019, Eskom is asking the National Energy Regulator (Nersa) for a 45% electricity increase spread over three years.

Hot off the heels of the global Black Friday phenomenon, retailers, brands and shopping centres across South Africa are now gearing up to make the most of 2018’s Festive Season which is already upon us.