The Customer is King

10 SEPTEMBER 2024

Our Illovo Sugar South Africa Executive Committee (EXCO) members , together with the Commercial team, recently spent a day visiting customers in and around Durban. The visit was part of a regular programme by the team to connect with customers in an effort to deepen their relationship with them, understand their challenges and explore how Illovo could further contribute to their growth. It was also an opportunity for EXCO to see firsthand the work of the Commercial team and the challenges and opportunities they come across in the “field”.

For Hlako Rachidi, it was his first visit to Illovo’s marketplace in Durban having recently been appointed to Illovo as our Head of Commercial and Supply Chain.

This particular occasion was a chance to tour the Illovo’s “last mile” resellers, stockists and grocers and to engage face to face with the business owners. The team started at Tradeport Distribution in Phoenix before making its way to the Point area of the CBD, and then to Isipingo before making a final stop at Umlazi – a real criss-cross journey across Durban city!

The company’s customers appreciated the opportunity to connect face-to-face with Ricky Govender, Illovo South Africa’s Managing Director (bottom, right), and his team. Said Mohammed Paruk from Tradeport: “To have the whole EXCO here in our distribution centre confirms to us that Illovo values our business and is committed to growing this partnership.” Mariam Cassim from Reunion Trading echoed Mohammed’s words, saying the time taken by the EXCO team to visit stores reflects her own strong beliefs in customer care.

Hlako welcomed the opportunity to engage with the customers. “I’m delighted at the opportunity to come face to face with our customers and hear their feedback on how we are partnering with them to grow their businesses. The interactions always highlight the opportunities there are for us to do more and reinforce our commitment to their success.” said Hlako.