Transnova Expanded as Tiger Brands’ Lead Logistics Partner After Open Tender

Johannesburg: Tiger Brands, Africa’s largest listed fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturer, has confirmed the reappointment and expansion of its logistics partnership with Transnova, following a competitive tender process concluded in June 2026.

Transnova, a leading independent supply chain advisory, technology and managed services firm, has been reappointed as Tiger Brands’ lead logistics partner. The expanded mandate consolidates Transnova’s role in overseeing and optimising Tiger Brands’ national distribution network, which moves approximately 2 million tons of finished goods annually to more than 4,000 customers across 190,000 delivery locations.

The appointment follows a formal request for proposals (RFP) issued by Tiger Brands earlier this year, in line with governance requirements for listed companies to subject material contracts to open competition. Transnova, which has partnered with Tiger Brands since 2016, not only retained the mandate but also secured an expanded scope as lead logistics partner.

Capital Discipline Meets Operational Confidence

The decision to expand Transnova’s role comes as Tiger Brands executes a sharp portfolio reset under CEO Tjaart Kruger, divesting non-core and underperforming assets while doubling down on higher-margin growth categories.

In June 2026, Tiger Brands confirmed the disposal of parts of its legacy Beacon chocolate business, retaining only selected snack brands aligned with its long-term growth strategy. The group has also completed the sale of its Randfontein operations and previously exited its stake in Chilean food group Carozzi.

At the same time, Tiger Brands reported strong operational performance in the first half of FY26, with operating income up 26.1% to R2.1bn, supported by improved margins and cost-saving initiatives. Volume growth of 4.5% offset price deflation, while the group returned R9.2bn to shareholders through special dividends and share buybacks since FY24.

Against this backdrop of disciplined capital allocation, the decision to expand Transnova’s logistics mandate signals strong confidence in the value the partnership delivers to the bottom line.

A Decade of Documented Value Creation

Transnova’s partnership with Tiger Brands began in 2016, when the FMCG group appointed Transnova to establish a centralised Logistics Control Tower (LCT) supported by a Transportation Management System (TMS) and business intelligence capabilities.

The transformation moved Tiger Brands away from reliance on a single third-party logistics (3PL) provider. That model had created operational rigidity, high transport costs and limited flexibility. The new approach uses a multi-carrier network with over 60 contracted carriers, real-time visibility and data-driven decision-making.

Results achieved over the partnership include:

Over R300 million in cumulative transport and efficiency savings
Management of more than R900 million in annual transport disbursements
Delivery of 605,000+ loads to 190,000+ locations nationwide
Improved service levels, responsiveness during peak periods and stronger carrier relationships

The partnership was recognised with a Gold Award at the 2025 Logistics Achiever Awards and an Outstanding Achievement award at the 2025 Supply Chain Excellence Awards, underscoring the scale and sophistication of the transformation.

“Tested and Trusted” Through Competition

Transnova’s reappointment followed an open tender, a standard requirement for JSE-listed companies. The expanded mandate (as opposed to a standard renewal) strengthens the partnership’s credibility as “tested and trusted” through competitive scrutiny.

For Transnova, the outcome validates its position as a South African-headquartered logistics partner capable of earning and retaining mandates at the scale of Africa’s largest FMCG groups. The company specialises in supply chain technology, analytics and managed services, operating across the EMEA region from its base in Johannesburg.