Lonrho's Oceanfresh to Supply Private Label Fish Products to South African Retail Chain Makro

LONDON, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lonrho Plc's seafood division, Oceanfresh, has been chosen to provide sixteen product lines to Makro under Makro's private label 'M brand'.

Makro (a division of Massmart) is one of the foremost retail chains in South Africa, catering to wholesale shoppers ranging from informal traders and grocery store owners to hoteliers, restaurateurs, offices and schools. Wholesale customers account for approximately 75% of Makro's food sales.

Oceanfresh has been a Makro supplier for the past three years, and sees the promotion to providing own brand product as a reflection of the quality of Oceanfresh products which are supplied from sustainable resources in line with Oceanfresh's internal fishing policies.

With substantially increased volumes related to the own brand business and further new store openings from Makro this year, Oceanfresh sees Makro as a leading South African retail customer.

Oceanfresh has also won a successful listing for Oceanfresh lines with the Shield Group, another division of MassMart and will commence product distribution to Shield Group stores in July 2011.

David Lenigas, Executive Chairman of Lonrho Plc, commented:

"The quality of Oceanfresh products, combined with the company's wild caught and sustainable fishing practices, is producing increasing demand for Oceanfresh Seafood lines from retailers globally. We are delighted to have won the contract to supply own brand produce to Makro."

Hanna Smith +44(0)207-861-3877; [email protected]

SOURCE Lonrho Plc