[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Here are my thoughts. I would love to hear yours.<\/p>\n
If we assume a figure of 65,000 Greeks in SA, that works out to 0.1% of 65 million people or 1 in every 1000 South Africans is of Greek descent. As a statistic, that is insignificant to say the least. Oh, by the way, when I refer to Greeks, I include Hellenes of Greek or Cypriot descent.<\/p>\n
If you think about what Greeks love doing and you guessed something to do with food, you would be spot on. SA government stats indicate a total annual turnover of R105 billion in 2024 for the food and beverage retail sector which includes restaurants, coffee shops, fast food, takeaway & catering businesses.<\/p>\n
If we include the manufacturing and supply chain related support services, the food, beverage and related sectors generate an estimated annual turnover exceeding R250-300 billion. This combined sector will contribute approximately 2-3% of GDP in 2025.<\/p>\n
Preliminary Research by Agora SA indicates that a significant proportion of the food and beverage sector is dominated by Greek \u2013 linked business. Our research defines a Greek \u2013 linked business as one of the following: Greek led, Greek founded, Greek owned or a significant Greek shareholding.<\/p>\n
In terms of South Africa\u2019s restaurant and fast food outlets, the total turnover of the currently identified Greek \u2013 linked sector is close to R50 billion pa or just under a 40% market share. The estimated number of staff employed by this Greek – linked sector is just under 100,000 people.<\/p>\n
Think about that figure carefully\u2026 nearly 100,000 families (or a conservative 500,000 people are sustained by Greek visionaries, leaders and innovators in the food and beverage sector of South Africa.<\/p>\n
Case closed!<\/p>\n
Greek business does some serious punching above its weight in SA.<\/p>\n