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How to · Supply the big retailers and brands

How to supply Woolworths

Woolworths publishes no step-by-step application for new suppliers that we could find. It does describe a programme for Black-owned businesses and the standards suppliers must meet.

Who it is forSuppliers to Woolworths food, fashion, beauty and home. Supplier Sphere is aimed at Black-owned and Black women-owned businesses.
What it costsNot published.
How long it takesNot published.
Last checked9 November 2026

The steps, in order

How to get started

  1. Read Woolworths Holdings' suppliers page about Supplier Sphere, its programme to help Black-owned and Black women-owned businesses reach formal markets.
  2. Read its ethical sourcing page. Suppliers sign its supplier codes at onboarding, and audits through SEDEX and SMETA apply.
  3. Use Woolworths' general contact route to ask how to be considered. No supplier-specific email is printed.

Have these ready

Documents and information

  • Evidence that you meet the ethical standards and audits, and for food your food-safety standards. Woolworths gives the details at onboarding.

Be realistic

What to expect

Woolworths reports that its support for small businesses grew 42% to R4 billion (December 2024), but it does not publish an application process or targets.

Watch out for scams. Our advice, not an official warning: only apply on the company's own website, and never pay a person to 'get you approved'.
What we could not confirm. The application route, documents, portal and any supplier-enquiry contact.

Official pages

Start at the source

Woolworths Holdings: suppliers ↗Woolworths: ethical sourcing ↗

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Mzansi Tenders is an independent service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or paid by any company named on this page. Company names are used only to describe how to supply them. Requirements change: always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay anyone.