South Africa’s Shoprite has agreed to acquire 100% of Vida e Caffè, Africa’s largest coffee chain, as the retailer broadens its business beyond supermarkets after posting R270.8 billion ($16.8 billion) in annual sales.
It is also part of its strategy to expand beyond traditional grocery retail.
The deal covers Vida’s South African and international operations, pending regulatory approval, and is expected to become effective in the 2027 financial year.
Shoprite is also acquiring a majority stake in R&A Cellular, with both deals totaling about R1 billion ($62 million).
Vida e Caffè operates around 400 stores across several African countries and offers Shoprite access to more flexible, smaller retail formats including quick-service outlets.
The August 20, 2026 agreement covers Vida’s South African and international operations and remains subject to regulatory approval, with completion expected in Shoprite’s 2027 financial year.
Shoprite announced the acquisition alongside its annual results and another deal for a majority stake in payments company R&A Cellular. Together, the transactions are valued at about R1 billion ($62 million).
Vida has grown from a single Cape Town café into about 400 corporate and franchise stores across Africa, making it the continent’s largest coffee chain and putting it ahead of regional rival Seattle Coffee Company, which operates roughly 300 outlets.
Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht said Vida provides a strong platform for further growth.
“Vida is a business we greatly admire, and we look forward to learning from its success while supporting its next phase of growth,” Engelbrecht said.
The acquisition also gives Shoprite a direct foothold in the stand-alone quick-service restaurant market, where its exposure has largely been through in-store food and coffee operations.
