Choppies

Choppies Enterprises Limited is a Botswana-based multinational supermarket retailer headquartered in Gaborone, primarily operating in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and previously in other African markets including Zimbabwe until its recent exit.

The company specializes in retailing fast-moving consumer goods, with a focus on food, beverages, and household essentials. Choppies entered the Zimbabwe market in 2013 by acquiring 10 Spar stores from SAI Enterprises for approximately US$22 million, expanding to 30 supermarkets across the country.Choppies Zimbabwe, operated through Nanavac Investment Ltd, employed over 1,000 people and offered a range of grocery products including fresh produce, packaged foods, and beverages.

However, due to challenging economic conditions in Zimbabwe—such as high inflation, currency fluctuations with the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), power outages, droughts impacting agriculture, and a 30% reduction in footfall as customers shifted to the informal retail sector—Choppies announced its exit in late 2024. The operations were sold in 2025 to Pintail Trading (associated with SaiMart) for US$260,000 (P3.75 million), resulting in a US$1 million loss despite assets valued at US$3.4 million (property, plant, equipment, and stock). This divestment aligns with Choppies' strategy to focus on profitable regions.

Prior to the exit, Choppies Zimbabwe represented a significant presence in formal retail, competing in the grocery and consumer goods space but facing intense pressure from untaxed informal traders offering lower prices in foreign currency. The sale ensured continuity of operations under new ownership, with staff transitioned to SaiMart, maintaining supply of affordable food and beverage products for Zimbabwean consumers.

As of 2024, the broader Choppies Group operated 161 stores across its remaining markets, emphasizing efficient distribution through central hubs to deliver international food brands and FMCG essentials. The Zimbabwe operations highlighted the company's adaptability in emerging markets, though economic volatility led to strategic refocus on core Botswana and neighboring countries.