Woolworths is pushing further into South Africa’s fast-growing convenience retail market, expanding its Foodstop network at Engen service stations to 101 stores as shoppers increasingly seek quicker access to groceries, prepared meals and other everyday products.

The expansion builds on a partnership that began as a two-store pilot in Cape Town in 2000. More than two decades later, the Woolworths Foodstop network has become an important channel for the retailer, placing its food products closer to commuters and motorists beyond traditional shopping centres.

The model has also given Woolworths another route to grow its digital and on-demand delivery business. Selected Foodstop stores now serve as fulfilment points for late-night orders, linking the retailer’s physical network with its growing online operations.

The latest store count comes after Woolworths opened its 100th Foodstop at an Engen forecourt in Sandton during the 2025 financial year, marking another step in one of South Africa’s longest-running retail partnerships.

From a small trial to a national network

Woolworths and Engen formally expanded their partnership in 2003 after the initial pilot proved successful. The first wider rollout included three stores in Gauteng before the concept spread to other major commuter routes across South Africa.

The network grew from 62 Engen forecourt stores in 2015 to 74 in 2018 and 81 by 2021. It has since added 20 locations, reflecting Woolworths’ growing focus on convenience retail and smaller-format stores.

Foodstops become delivery hubs

Woolies After Dark has added another role for the forecourt stores. More than 70 Foodstops now support Uber Eats orders, giving customers access to a selected Woolworths range until midnight.

Woolworths said the service provides its curated assortment at a time when customers may not be able to visit a store.

The expansion comes as Woolworths Food remains the group’s strongest-performing business. For the 52 weeks ended June 28, 2026, revenue rose to R54.33 billion($3.44 billion) from R51.47 billion($3.2 billion) a year earlier. The division also generated R3.23 billion($205 million) in profit before tax.

Food drives Woolworths performance

Woolworths Food accounted for about 65% of group turnover and 69% of adjusted group EBIT.

The retailer called Food its “stand-out performer” in a highly competitive market, pointing to higher customer footfall and larger basket sizes.

Woolworths Holdings is a South African-listed retail group with businesses spanning food, fashion, beauty and home products.

Its South African Woolworths Food business is using stores, forecourts and digital delivery to expand its reach.

With 101 Foodstops now operating at Engen forecourts, the partnership gives Woolworths another route to customers while supporting its wider focus on convenience and digital shopping.