Woolworths gets green light to acquire major food supplier and its 8,000 workers

South Africa – Woolworths Holdings has secured regulatory approval to acquire 100% of food manufacturer in2food Holdings, bringing one of its largest suppliers under its ownership in a deal expected to strengthen its food business and expand its presence in export markets.

According to Business Insider Africa, the acquisition will bring approximately 8,000 employees into the retailer’s wider business following more than three decades of collaboration between the companies.

Woolworths confirmed on October 8 that all regulatory conditions had been fulfilled, including approval from the Competition Tribunal. The transaction is expected to be implemented in November 2026, although the purchase price has not been disclosed.

“Woolworths welcomes the Competition Tribunal’s approval of its acquisition of in2food and is pleased to confirm that all regulatory suspensive conditions customary for a transaction of this nature have now been fulfilled. Implementation of the transaction is expected to take place in the coming month,” Woolworths said on it official website.

In2food manufactures convenience meals, fresh produce, bakery goods and other food products, generating more than R5 billion in annual revenue. It operates eight manufacturing facilities and produces more than 3.2 million packs weekly, according to Reuters and Daily Investor.

Agility and efficiency

Woolworths said the deal would strengthen its food supply chain and improve its ability to respond to changing customer demand.

“Greater integration is expected to increase agility and efficiency across the supply chain, improve speed-to-market and responsiveness to changing customer needs, and enhance innovation and new product development,” the company said.

The acquisition is expected to boost earnings and create additional growth opportunities through in2food’s established food-service and export operations. Woolworths also expects operational efficiencies to deliver further benefits over time.

The deal forms part of the retailer’s strategy to strengthen its premium food offering, which has become a central driver of its business. Woolworths has also indicated that in2food will continue operating as a standalone business, with its existing senior leadership team remaining in place.

Woolworths said it remained committed to its broader supplier network, despite bringing the long-standing supplier under its ownership.

The transaction is expected to deepen Woolworths’ control over its food production and supply chain while creating opportunities to grow its business beyond its retail stores.