Food facts and figures

Abstract

The return of consumer spending has bolstered business confidence in South Africa. Still, companies are keeping a wary eye on developments in the second half of the year, which could knock household finances. According to the Bureau for Economic Research (BER), retailer confidence climbed to a six-year high of 54 in the second quarter of 2021 – up from 37 in the first quarter. The BER has, however, issued a warning that renewed lockdown restrictions could curb the surge in business confidence, as uncertainties remain with South Africa trying to flatten the curve of the third wave of the pandemic. Looking to the third quarter, the overall retail sector remains optimistic about sales volumes and business conditions.