PREMIER FMCG
PREMIER FMCG LTD
PREMIER FMCG LTD:
QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE IN FOOD MANUFACTURING
Project by: Malvern Kandemwa
Words by: Michelle Duncan
Premier FMCG Pty Ltd is one of South Africa’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. Premier FMCG has undergone significant transformation, expanding its operations, upgrading its infrastructure, forging strategic partnerships, and embracing technological advancements. Premier FMCG, commonly known as Premier, has a rich history dating back to 1820. The company is a prominent player in the South African
FMCG sector, with a diverse portfolio of products that includes bread, flour, maize, rice, pasta, sugar, beverages, and home care products. Premier’s well-known brands, such as Blue Ribbon, Snowflake, Iwisa, and Lil-lets, are household names in South Africa and other African markets.
The newly formed executive focused on bringing the company back to financial health and providing a durable base from which to make investments in new equipment and facilities, and that in turn would lead to better-quality products around which the company could rebuild strong, iconic brands. The new executive
took on the role and began restructuring the business with a 10-year strategy to drive forward the completion of the turnaround. Under the new leadership, Premier FMCG has made significant investments in upgrading its infrastructure to support growth and improve efficiency. These upgrades include the construction of new manufacturing facilities and modernization of existing plants. These facilities are designed to produce a diverse range of bread and baked goods with enhanced efficiency and consistency. The new plants incorporate advanced automated systems that streamline the baking process, from dough preparation to packaging.
PREMIER MAIZE BRANDS
INCLUDE: IWISA NO.1, NYALA, INVICTA, IMPALA AND SUPER SUN.
PREMIER WHEAT BRANDS
INCLUDE: BAKERS PRIDE AND LIGUGU.
Today, Premier has 7 wheat mills and 3 maize mills strategically located in South Africa, Mozambique and Eswatini to ensure optimal supply with a total capacity of 980,000 tonnes of wheat and 680,000 tonnes of maize per annum. Two of the wheat mills are designed to mill flour for speciality industrial customers. The Kroonstad maize mill is the biggest maize mill for human consumption housed under one roof, in the world. Premier mills are FSSC 22000 certified, and their bakeries are the biggest customer for wheat mills and flour brands which include the iconic Snowflake brand which is more than 135 years old. Premier maize brands include: Iwisa No.1, Nyala, Invicta, Impala and Super Sun. Our wheat brands within Eswatini
include Bakers Pride and Ligugu. The milling operations also comprise of 14 warehouses strategically located around the country to optimise product availability and minimise unnecessary product handling which ultimately reduces costs not only for their milling products but also confectionery and home & personal care products which are also distributed through this network. In 2014 Premier opened its new high-volume warehouse and DC based at Long Meadow in Johannesburg, which also holds an FSSC 22000 certification.
Technology transformation has been a key focus area for Premier FMCG. Embracing advanced technologies has enabled the company to enhance its operational efficiency, improve product quality, and stay competitive in the market. Premier has transformed its manufacturing facilities into IoT-enabled smart factories. Sensors and connected devices collect real-time data on machinery performance, production rates, and product quality. This data is analysed to optimise operations, predict maintenance needs, and prevent downtime. The use of advanced data analytics tools allows Premier to gain insights into production processes and supply chain dynamics. Analytics platforms process vast amounts of data to identify trends, forecast demand, and optimise resource allocation. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making and operational efficiency.
Strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in Premier’s success. The company has formed alliances with various stakeholders, including suppliers, distributors, research institutions, and industry associations. These partnerships have helped Premier enhance its capabilities, expand its market reach, and drive innovation. Premier’s long-term strategic partnerships include one with the company Anchor Yeast, a key strategic partner on the baking side of its business. The latter also owns the only yeast factory in South Africa, supplying the whole baking industry there. The company has extremely close relationships with grain suppliers,
which have grown along with Premier over the past 10 years. These partnerships enable the company to access new markets, introduce innovative products, and leverage synergies that benefit both parties, fostering longterm relationships and business growth.
Premier has solidified its position as a leading FMCG company in South Africa and beyond. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships has driven its growth and success. The ongoing upgrades encompass new and modernised manufacturing facilities, advanced technological implementations, sustainability initiatives, enhanced distribution and logistics capabilities, innovative R&D efforts, and a comprehensive digital transformation. These strategic investments not only bolster Premier’s operational efficiency and product quality but also reinforce its commitment to sustainability and innovation. As a result, Premier FMCG is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory and maintain its leadership in the South African and African FMCG markets.
