Stafford Bros. & Draeger values the need to nurture relationships with suppliers, customers and local communities.
We donate a percentage of turnover to charity on a monthly basis and also donate food to charitable organisations. As part of our environmental responsibilities, we contribute financially towards the recycling of all packaging put into the market by our company.

Arthur Stafford had a dream: Establish and build a company of excellence that would lead the way in making the world’s finest foods available in South Africa. After starting his own business in 1921, he was joined by his brother Harry and subsequently by Max Draeger. Thus, in 1951, Stafford Bros & Draeger (Pty) Ltd was formed.

Today, the company is led by a team of dynamic experienced people who are responsible for managing what are the pick of international food brands.

From humble beginnings, when Stafford Bros & Draeger started as importers of American rice, and paper from Sweden, we are today proud distributors of Twinings Specialty Teas, delicious and healthy Ovaltine, fibre-rich Ryvita® scrumptious Walkers Scottish Shortbread and Banditos Mexican sauces.

In 1977, the Lewis-Enright family acquired Stafford Bros & Draeger, and Patrick, the chairman at the time decided to develop an exciting range of specialty foods. As a result, the Staffords brand was born. Always with the consumer’s needs in mind, Staffords anticipates food trends with the introduction of exotic products such as vanilla extract with seeds, a wide range of condiments and a range of cooking chocolates and desserts.

Stafford Bros & Draeger is today a national company operating throughout Southern Africa, and has since been bought out by the Rudi Schaffner Group of Companies in November 2023, which specialises in importing and distributing Food Stuffs. Products are warehoused in Johannesburg and are distributed nationwide by our warehousing and logistics partner. Sales and merchandising teams service all major supermarket chains, cash and carries, wholesalers and food service outlets in these areas. We also have a footprint in neighbouring countries.

Staffords is passionate about food and dedicated to upholding our traditional values of commitment to excellence, and corporate responsibility. These are demonstrated through ethical service to our suppliers and customers, and the welfare and advancement of our employees.

Stafford Bros. is privately owned by the Rudi Schaffner Group of Companies- “Full Service” Distribution Company dedicated to serving the Southern Africa food industry. Stafford Bros is amongst the leaders in the distribution of imported and local speciality foods, and therefore supply all the major supermarket chains, independents and food service industry. We offer a “one stop-shop” solution for brand owners across the globe.

A dedicated and passionate workforce work towards upholding the ethical values, commitment to excellence, and corporate pride that are demonstrated through our service to our suppliers and customers. Our team of Regional and Field Sales Managers are supported by a large network of people throughout Southern Africa that focus on achieving our vision.

Our brand portfolio spans various food categories in the retail and food service industry, including dry groceries, confectionery, biscuits, and hot and cold beverages. The company also has a strong focus on private label development with its in-house “Staffords” brand.

Having been established since 1921 we have built strong relationships with the Category Managers of all the major Supermarket chains, and with our experience we are able to advise the decision makers with the sourcing of “on Trend” food items from across the Globe.