Agrimark Honours Top Suppliers in Competitive 13th Annual Awards
Agrimark, the agricultural and lifestyle retail business segment of KAL Group, is repositioning its vast supplier network as an integral part of its growth and innovation strategy. Speaking at the group’s 13th annual Supplier of the Year Awards in Somerset West, senior executives made it clear that the future of the business lies not just in product procurement but in deep, value-driven partnerships across the supply network.
“We’re focused on the game changers that will shape the future of our farm-to-fork value chain,” said Arno Abeln, Managing Director of Agrimark Operations. “Our suppliers are no longer just product providers; they are evolving into value chain partners.” This shift reflects a broader operational strategy aimed at aligning Agrimark’s core business with strategic suppliers who contribute to reliability, efficiency and innovation.
This philosophy is at the heart of Agrimark’s Supplier of the Year Awards, which recognise exceptional performance, reliability, and ethical conduct across its extensive agricultural and retail value chain. Hennie Smit, Director: Supply Chain at Agrimark, said the company’s investment in a world-class logistics and supplier infrastructure has been a key driver of its ongoing success. “Through globally recognised systems and close collaboration with suppliers, Agrimark has built an agile and resilient network.
“We are fortunate to have global suppliers who take the time to engage with our teams, helping us refine our processes and strengthen our operations—something we are truly grateful for,” he said. “Our Supplier of the Year Awards follow a rigorous set of criteria, evaluated by both procurement and in-store personnel, and one of the most critical aspects we assess is ethics. It’s a value we hold to the highest standard.”
Honouring the Best in Class
And this year’s winners reflect that philosophy in action. From a base of over 7,000 active suppliers, just 104 were shortlisted and only 32 reached finalist stage—highlighting the rigorous standards in place.
Montego Pet Nutrition secured the Retail Channel Award, recognised for its consistent performance, product quality, and alignment with Agrimark’s values. In the agriculture category, Vuka Timbers was named Agri Channel Winner, with judges highlighting the company’s reliability and operational excellence in the supply of agri infrastructure materials. Both companies stood out for their commitment to partnership and service delivery in a competitive and diversified supplier landscape.
Other notable winners included TotalEnergies Marketing SA in the Fuel Channel, Crossroads for Logistics, Datacentrix Holdings in Information Management, and Blue Yonder in the Corporate Channel.
KAL Group CEO Sean Walsh underscored the company’s distinctive place in South African retail: “Congratulations and thank you to our winning suppliers. Your commitment, innovation and integrity play a vital role in our success. Our fully integrated value chain approach is what sets us apart. We proudly serve the entire value chain—from the wheat farmer producing grain to the freshly baked pies sold at our fuel stations. No other retailer in South Africa bridges the full spectrum of agriculture and retail like we do.”
Bruce Whitfield, award-winning journalist, speaker and author who was the master of ceremonies at the event, says the Supplier of the Year Awards highlighted Agrimark’s refreshed brand positioning and its role beyond agriculture. “Agrimark has grown from being an everything store for farmers, to a store with everything for everyone.”
“As the business continues to grow, its suppliers remain essential collaborators in delivering value, innovation, and trusted service to customers across the country,” concludes Abeln.