This is why Woolworths is moving deeper into South Africa’s petrol stations

Johannesburg – Woolworths is expanding its presence at South African petrol stations, with its premium Foodstop convenience stores now operating at 101 Engen forecourts nationwide, turning a partnership that began as a small experiment more than two decades ago into a significant retail channel.

According to BusinessTech, the Woolworths-Engen partnership began in 2000 with just two pilot Foodstop stores in Cape Town. The concept was aimed at testing whether motorists would embrace a 24-hour convenience outlet selling Woolworths products while they refuelled.

The trial proved successful and the companies formally expanded the partnership in 2003. The number of Foodstops has since grown steadily, reaching 62 locations in 2015, 81 in 2021 and 100 during Woolworths’ 2025 financial year. It has now increased to 101 stores.

Woolworths said the expansion forms part of its broader strategy to make its products more accessible outside traditional shopping centres. The retailer has described its objective as to “deliver convenience across all formats and channels”, with forecourt stores increasingly playing a role in reaching customers on the move.

Excellent service

The milestone 100th Foodstop was opened at the Engen Sandton Convenience Centre in July 2025. Woolworths Holdings reported that the partnership has evolved over more than 25 years, with Foodstops offering motorists top-up groceries, prepared meals and other products.

“This milestone shows what’s possible when two brands with a shared purpose come together,” said Evangelos Morris, Head of Foodstops at Woolworths at the time.

“100 Foodstops means 100 neighbourhoods with easier access to Woolies quality, 100 dedicated teams delivering excellent service, and 100 reminders that innovation is at the heart of what we do.”

The growth comes as Woolworths Food continues to be a major contributor to the group’s performance. According to Reuters, Woolworths Holdings reported a 5.3% increase in headline earnings per share to 282.3 cents for the year ended 28 June 2026, with strong online sales in its food division helping support the group’s performance.

Woolworths Food revenue rose to R54.33 billion, from R51.47 billion a year earlier, while the division generated R3.23 billion in profit before tax, according to BusinessTech’s analysis of the retailer’s latest results.

Woolies After Dark

The strategy is also increasingly extending beyond physical stores. Woolworths has partnered with Uber Eats on its “Woolies After Dark” service, allowing customers at selected Foodstops to order a range of Woolworths products until midnight.

BusinessTech reported that the service is now available at more than 70 Foodstops.

The expansion reflects a wider shift in South Africa’s fuel-retail sector, where service stations are increasingly being developed as convenience and shopping destinations rather than places to simply fill up.

The rising pressure on fuel margins and changing consumer habits have encouraged retailers to expand food, grocery and other services at forecourts, Newsday noted.