5 Successful SA Brands

Some SA brands that have been serving the citizens of the country for decades have been tried, tested and enjoyed. I thought that it would be only fitting to celebrate these brands which are a staple in most homes during monthly shopping visits. Some brands are edible, and others for show, but what is most certain is that the quality is what has given these products a boost without them really ever needing to market these products.

SA brands worth buying

Because this post could become an encyclopedia from A to Z of what South Africans love to have in their homes, I thought of sharing the first five items I am sure that fit the bill to appear in this introductory post. In future posts we will share different recipes that keep these SA brands . . . staples in most, if not every, South African household.

Bakers Blue Label Marie

Let’s start with Bakers Marie Biscuits. My reason for this is simple. When I was pregnant with my son 18 years ago, one packet of Marie Biscuits crushed in a cup of tea kept my indigestion in check like no other cure. A biscuit and medicine in one, such deliciousness in a sweet treat. One other fact, this biscuit is so uniquely flavoured that it can’t be copied.

Koo Baked Beans

Production for KOO baked beans started in 1946, just six years after the KOO brand was established in 1940. The distinct flavour of Koo Baked Beans still remains a household staple for most. One of the most iconic SA brands . . . it may be a simple can of beans, but trust that every single household in Mzansi has a can in the cupboard. Because we are a nation of braai lovers, Koo baked beans salad tossed in sliced onions, chillies with some salt and pepper to taste is probably eaten somewhere in South Africa every single minute of the day! And for those living abroad, it is one of the must-have items when visiting the South African shops offering SA brands.

Lucky Star tinned fish

Lucky Star tinned fish was officially established under its current name in 1959. One of the most popular of SA brands, it began its journey in 1955 as “Your Lucky Star” originally from California. Acquired by Federal Fish Packers in South Africa, the “your” was dropped in 1959 and officially registered. Today, Lucky Star Pilchards in tomato sauce remains one of the major SA brands in stores across Mzansi, eaten straight out of the can by some, or, delicately cleaned and cooked in a variety of ways in many households. Lucky Star is owned by the Oceana Group since 1998.

Packing a pickled punch

Pakco has been one of the most popular SA brands for pickles established in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal. The company was founded by South African businessman Pakkiri “PP” Pillay along with his brother Subramoney “SP” Pillay. Sold for R200-million in 2017, the company still remains a household name and is owned by the Rhodes Food Company, an international food producer. One of the staples in many households is the Pakco Curried Chillies pickle jar. Delicious and uniquely flavoured, it is by far the best tasting pickle around.

Quenching a summer thirst

Nothing beats a glass of iced-cold Oros juice on a hot summer’s day. According to Google AI, the Oros brand was established in 1899. The first drink produced was lemon-flavoured known as Lemos. The signature orange squash that most households enjoy was introduced in the 1930s. Oros is one of the most popular SA brands and trusted by many mothers as a preferred beverage for their children. It was founded by Charles Brookes in Cape Town and is now owned by Tiger Brands.

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