Di Wilson, Founder and Marketing Director of Shop! SA, says, "These awards aren't just about in-store displays. They're about strategic shopper thinking and integrated campaigns that deliver real impact. They celebrate brands that view the world through a shopper lens and drive measurable bottom-line results. Having this panel brings gravitas, insight and credibility to the judging process, and inspires the entire industry to push the boundaries."

Judges Share Why This Matters

Joss Myers of Barrows Global reflects on the platform's impact, "Shop! SA gives industry leaders the stage to shine. As a judge, I get to explore the exceptional work shaping retail experiences across South Africa."

Helen McDougall at Woodlands Dairy adds, "These awards celebrate creativity and effectiveness. By judging, I can recognise standout initiatives and help elevate our industry's standards."

Bev Anderson from Heineken SA says, "I love seeing creative point-of-sale up close. Judging gives me insight into the thinking behind retail innovation."

Wendy van Zyl of Libstar highlights the broader impact, "Shop! SA understands the unique dynamics of our market. It sets contextually relevant benchmarks and helps develop emerging talent."

Nana Lloyd of Nativa adds, "Shop! SA fills a vital gap in the awards landscape by recognising the exact moment that matters most in shopper marketing: the moment of truth at shelf. Judging is a privilege. It gives me a front-row seat to what's working in our industry and the chance to shine a light on campaigns that truly deliver."

Francois Jurgens of Nestlé SA points out the value of process: "Watching best-practice in action drives category growth and strengthens retailer-brand execution."

Siobhan O'Sullivan from Premier FMCG emphasises commercial impact: "Great shopper marketing campaigns need to deliver both emotional connection and business results. Judging reminds us of that balance."

Event and Entry Details

The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 11 November at Bryanston Country Club. Entries close on Thursday, 31 July, says the awards.

The face-to-face judging will be held on Monday, 15 September at the Cape Town Marriott Hotel, Century City. The nominees will be announced on the 16th during the inaugural Shop! SA conference, "Concept to Conversion", designed to facilitate deeper learning and networking, adds the awards.

Shop! SA celebrates every link in the shopper marketing chain from concept to campaign delivery, and every participant in the industry from brand manufacturers to retailers, creative agencies and production houses. The awards offer an opportunity to showcase nominee brands' strengths while learning from and connecting with peers, says the awards.

Wilson concludes, "These judges bring expertise, energy and integrity to the awards, and Shop! SA is both grateful and proud to have them on board. Their involvement confirms that our awards aren't just trophies, they certify real impact and results. We encourage every corner of the industry to enter."

2025 Shop! SA confirms the awards judging panel:

  • Bev Anderson: Channel Lead, Off-Premise Retail, Heineken SA
  • Diana Williams: Head of Category and Customer Marketing, Haleon SA
  • Helen McDougall: Chief Executive Officer, Woodlands Dairy SA
  • Joss Myers: Marketing Director, Barrows Global
  • Tshiamo Tladi: Marketing Director, Hyundai SA
  • Nana Lloyd: Marketing Director, Nativa
  • Wendy van Zyl: Category and Customer Executive, Libstar
  • Tanja Korte: Marketing Director, Rainmaker Marketing
  • Francois Jurgens: Commercial Director, Nestlé SA
  • Siobhan O'Sullivan: Managing Executive HPC — Group Strategy and Marketing, Premier FMCG

 Individuals are encouraged to enter here.

For more information, visit www.shopassociation.africa. You can also follow Shop! SA on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of Facebook