Woolworths is preparing to expand its school tuck shop footprint across South Africa following strong demand from schools, parents and learners.
The premium food retailer has already launched branded tuck shops at two schools in Cape Town, with early pilot projects showing significant traction.
The first Woolworths-operated school tuck shop opened in 2023 at Springfield Convent in Wynberg.
Built from a converted shipping container, the pilot marked the company’s first move into on-campus food services and served as a testing ground for broader expansion.
A second location opened in early 2026 at Curro Century City, where the concept was further modernised through a fully cashless system.
Learners are able to pay via bank cards or the Karri app, while parents can monitor spending and pre-plan meals remotely.
Healthy school food becomes growth opportunity
Outgoing CEO Roy Bagattini said the concept has been “incredibly successful”, adding that schools have shown growing interest in improving the health and quality of food available on campus.
The business forms part of Woolworths Ventures, the company’s strategic growth accelerator that also includes food delivery, café concepts and specialty retail brands.
More schools could soon follow
Although Woolworths has not yet released a formal national rollout schedule, management has confirmed that school tuck shops remain a key future growth area.
Industry analysts say the move could significantly reshape school food services, especially in private and premium education segments.
The combination of healthy food, trusted branding and digital payment convenience is expected to appeal strongly to modern parents.
Source: BusinessTechWoolworths school tuck shops South Africa
