More than 800 BOTS bread sale stands are already in operation, each run by an entrepreneur. Albany says it expects to grow the network to 3 000 stands within the next year, creating at least 3 000 entrepreneurial opportunities in total, says the company.

The stands are located in high-footfall areas such as taxi ranks, bus stations and along busy roadsides close to Albany Bakeries in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Free State, with plans to expand to other provinces.

"BOTS allows our Albany business to compete more effectively in a highly competitive local bread market, while bringing our product closer to consumers, ensuring accessibility and freshness," says Quinton Swart, MD Bakeries at Tiger Brands.

"But in addition to expanding our route-to market, it's making a contribution to our country's unemployment rate, which has risen considerably over the past decade," adds Swart. "The programme demonstrates how commercial growth and social impact can work together."

According to Stats SA's most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey released in August 2026, close to five million young people between the ages of 15 and 34 years are economically inactive. The unemployment rate in this group is 47.4%, up from 45.8% in the previous quarter, says the company.

Bread is delivered directly to vendors through Albany's distribution network, aimed at ensuring a consistent supply of fresh product. On average, each BOTS entrepreneur sells between 20 and 30 loaves of bread per day per stand, generating a profit of approximately R2 per loaf. This can translate into an income of around R1 300 per month for entrepreneurs who operate their stands daily, adds the company.

Tiger Brands says it provides each entrepreneur with a branded Albany bread stand, valued at approximately R2 700, together with marketing materials to support their business.

Entrepreneurs are recruited through referrals from existing customers in trade and community networks, aimed at helping to extend opportunities to people seeking income-generating opportunities.

"BOTS shows that growing our business and creating opportunities for others do not have to be separate ambitions. As we expand the network, more people will have the opportunity to earn, learn and build greater economic independence, while becoming part of Albany's growth story," concludes Swart.

For more information, visit www.tigerbrandsfoundation.co.za. You can also follow Tiger Brands on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor