28th August 2023
Own Correspondent
Choppies Deputy Chief Executive Officer Vinod Madhavan said Choppies Botswana, believes in the potential of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as engines of economic growth and innovation.
“Throughout our journey, we have been committed to supporting these local businesses, and it fills me with great pride to say that we carry products from most SMMEs as retailers,” said Vinod Madhavan, Choppies Deputy Chief Executive Officer in official opening remarks.
He said, “By providing them with shelf space and access to markets in all localities where Choppies stores are present, we have played a crucial role in nurturing and growing their brands. Choppies Botswana, we firmly believe in the potential of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as engines of economic growth and innovation.”
Throughout Choppies journey, it was claimed that they have been committed to supporting local businesses, and that they carry products from most SMMEs as retailers.
“By providing them with shelf space and access to markets in all localities where Choppies stores are present, we have played a crucial role in nurturing and growing their brands,” said Madhavan.
The theme of this year's Consumer Fair, "Fostering Consumer Confidence through Business Resilience post COVID pandemic," resonates very deeply with the challenges Botswana continues to face.
The Organizers of the Consumer Fair confirmed growth of the Fair with 30 exhibition categories from over 570 exhibition stalls compared to 550 stalls that were booked in 2022.
According to officials, this is a significant growth making the Botswana Consumer Fair the best and largest fair in the calendar of events in Botswana.
“Our tagline, "Engage, Shop, and Showcase," encompasses the essence of what we aim to achieve during these notable days. We encourage meaningful engagement, fostering connections and collaborations that will shape the future of our businesses,” said Gorata Gabaraane, Fairgrounds Holdings Chief Executive Officer.
She said, “By shopping locally and supporting our traders, we strengthen the foundation of our economy, promoting growth and prosperity. And by showcasing the resilience, innovation, and diversity of our businesses, we instil confidence in the hearts of our esteemed consumers.”
One of the most exciting highlights of this year's event is Traders Hub, providing local brands with market access by linking them with buyers and value chain participants.
“This vibrant platform offers unparalleled opportunities for manufacturers of locally produced goods to connect, learn, and grow their businesses. We are committed to providing an ecosystem where businesses flourish, thrive, and achieve their full potential,” said Gabaraane.
Exhibitors are local, regional, and international representing many countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Eswatini, Egypt, China, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia
