A Peculiar People, a leading event management agency focused on empowering local enterprises through consumer engagement, has announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards.
The agency has partnered with the Pick n Pay Made in Eswatini Buy Local Campaign for the awards.
The awards celebrate the excellence of local brands with consumer-driven recognition. The awards ceremony, scheduled for 25 July 2025, will honour Eswatini’s top-performing local brands based on consumer preference, product quality, and market impact.
Announcing the call for nominations, Chairman of A Peculiar People, Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini, emphasised the importance of community-driven recognition in fostering a thriving local economy.
“The Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards are a celebration of the creativity, resilience, and excellence of our local producers. This initiative gives everyday consumers the power to shine a spotlight on the brands they trust and love. We’re excited to see the nation rally behind our homegrown talent,” he said.
The nomination process and eligibility officially opened on 24 May 2025 and will close on 14 June 2025. Consumers across Eswatini are invited to submit their nominations via WhatsApp on +268 7871 8970 – a platform designed to ensure inclusive and accessible participation, particularly at the grassroots level. To qualify, nominated products must: be made in Eswatini, be legally registered and be trading. They must also have a distinct brand identity and be easily traceable on digital media.
An esteemed adjudication panel and full list of award categories will be announced on 4 June 2025. This panel will include a diverse mix of respected industry experts, business leaders, and local enterprise champions, known for their integrity, experience, and commitment to local development.
“We have carefully selected judges who bring a balance of expertise and insight. Their role is to ensure a transparent and rigorous evaluation process that truly reflects consumer sentiment and market readiness,” Dlamini added.
From recognition to retail in an exciting development, nominated products will be considered for shelf placement at Pick n Pay stores across the country, as part of the Pick n Pay Made in Eswatini Buy Local Campaign – a collaborative initiative by Pick n Pay Eswatini, A Peculiar People, and Eswatini Retail Solutions (ERS).
Mario Fernandes, who leads the Pick n Pay team in Eswatini, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to local sourcing.
“Pick n Pay Lojaf is proud to lead the way in supporting products made in Eswatini. Through this movement, we will be creating real opportunities for local brands to grow and access markets within formal retail channels,” Fernandes said.
Paula Marques, Managing Director of Eswatini Retail Solutions (ERS), added: “ERS is committed to building a thriving and competitive business ecosystem. We support manufacturers and retailers through targeted services in sales, distribution, warehousing, and in-store merchandising. It’s about creating a seamless pathway from production to purchase, and that starts with availability, visibility, and value at the shelf,” Marques explained.
Select nominees will also be shortlisted for listing on the upcoming madeineswatini store, a dedicated e-commerce platform designed to promote, sell and deliver local products to a wider market.
Additionally, in partnership with the highly anticipated Unlock Everything Business Seminar, only Made in Eswatini products will be given the opportunity to sell food and beverages at the event. The qualifying vendors will also receive complimentary access to seminar content and seating, with only the trade space reservation fee required.
Consumers who attended the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair are especially encouraged to nominate their favourite brands. As the awards build on the momentum of the Fair, they aim not only to recognise excellence but also to provide local brands with new platforms for visibility and growth.
“This is more than an awards event. It’s a movement that celebrates our national identity, empowers entrepreneurs, and gives every consumer a voice in shaping the future of our market,” concluded Dlamini.
For more information or to nominate a product, one can send a WhatsApp message to +268 7871 8970 from 24 May 2025.