Today's Headlines, Thu 17 Sep 2026: Franchise Hub

DataThe rand weakened from R16.01 to R16.26 against the dollar over the week to 16 September, about 1.6%, while prime held at 10.5%. Nothing else in your cost base moved. If you import equipment, coffee, packaging or anything priced in dollars, a quote you were given a fortnight ago is now wrong by more than most people's margin on a cup. Ask for it again before you sign it. (South African Reserve Bank)

TrendAmong the five diet claims we track, high protein sits second at 84 against gluten free at 100 this week, well ahead of banting at 40 and plant based at 19. Woolworths launched a Greek-style yoghurt on the protein claim two days ago. The claim is doing the work here rather than the ingredient, which is the cheap part to copy: it is a menu line and a label, not a new supplier. (Franchise Hub menu demand index, week of 14 September; Bizcommunity)

OpeningBurger King put a Dragon Ball Super menu into every one of its South African restaurants from 14 September, with Toei Animation, running in store and on delivery while stocks last. Six collectible figurines and a licensed t-shirt sit alongside a Super Saiyan Whopper. The food is the smaller half of that: what is being sold is a reason to come this month rather than next, and a reason to come in person when the collectible is at the counter. (Bizcommunity)

DealWoolworths Holdings reported FY2026 group turnover and concession sales of R84.5bn, up 4.3%, with Food up 5.7% to R55.4bn on a gross margin held at 24.9%. The group says it is now reorganising around premium food as its primary engine. Adjusted headline earnings a share rose 3.7% and the total dividend 5.9%. A second listed grocer has now said out loud that food is the growth story and everything else is along for the ride. (Woolworths Holdings FY2026 results)

WatchFuel resets in the first week of October. Diesel has sat at R30.05 and petrol 95 at R26.92 inland since 2 September, so the next move is the first change to your delivery line in five weeks. With the rand where it now is, the rand component of that calculation is working against you for the first time since July. (Automobile Association; South African Reserve Bank)

Mon 7 Sep 2026 →

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The rand lost 1.6% in a week, and every dollar quote on your desk is now out of date

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