Uber Eats proudly celebrated its merchants on the platform and reaffirmed its commitment to support businesses to enhance their revenue potential and growth, no matter how big or small, at its second annual Merchant Awards in Johannesburg recently.
The 2024 Merchant Awards showcased exceptional achievements across 47 categories under themes such as Operational Excellence (based on operational data), Eater Choice (based on eater rating and order data), and five new categories recognising excellence in grocery and retail businesses.
The event, co-hosted by renowned radio DJ and content creator Nick Hamman alongside Zola Rapoone, Uber Eats Merchant Operations, was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation within the platform’s ecosystem.
The highlight of the event was the announcement of Merchant of the Year, awarded to Andrew Flanagan from The Poke Co, with Ribs & Burgers Menlyn Maine and Kimchi Restaurant in Woodstock taking the first and second runner up spots respectively.
“Winning this award is a humbling experience. Being a part of the Uber Eats platform has allowed us to connect with more customers, grow our business, and provide better service to our community. It’s inspiring to know that our hard work is recognised and appreciated,”
said Flanagan.
This year’s awards also celebrated the remarkable growth of the Uber Eats platform since its launch in South Africa in 2016, while the success of retailers and restaurants on the platform demonstrated its enabling power as a tool that goes beyond being a delivery service, but as an uplifting force empowering local businesses to reach new customers by increasing their mobility and accessibility.
Speaking at the event, Nakampe Molewa, Uber Eats General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised the platform’s role in uplifting local merchants:
“Local businesses are the backbone of South Africa’s economy, driving job creation, innovation, and elevating the communities they serve. That’s why Uber remains committed to connecting communities, driving opportunity, and unlocking growth for our merchants.”
He noted that the delivery marketplace is a rapidly growing industry, offering local merchants opportunities to expand their reach significantly through Uber’s unique technology-driven delivery services. This growth has enabled merchants to become more reliable, reach new audiences, and build lasting relationships with their customers.
Merchants on the platform are provided access to data revealing insights such as peak ordering times and popular items, allowing them to optimise their offerings to meet customer needs.
“Uber Eats has been fortunate to play a role in boosting the local economy while supporting small businesses by providing merchants with efficient and scalable delivery infrastructure,”
adds Molewa.
“We will continue to introduce innovative features and products that redefine mobility and expand opportunities for restaurants, retailers and vendors as part of our commitment to positively impact the individuals, businesses and communities we serve.”
The Uber Eats platform has contributed an estimated R1.6 billion in additional value for merchants across South Africa, enabling restaurants and retailers to offer the speed, convenience and availability that consumers demand in today’s digital age.
