Woolworths Food was the overall winner in the 2009 Ask Afrika Orange Index service excellence awards. The Ask Afrika Orange Index is widely regarded as the largest service excellence benchmark in South Africa. It aims to capture South African consumers’ views on both good and bad service. Woolworths Food has maintained its winning position in the food retail industry since 2007. Woolworths Clothing also claimed 4th position in the survey this year. Woolworths’ customer relationship model begins with understanding the different lifestyles of customers and analysing their shopping behaviour. This helps us to meet our customers’ needs. In addition, service is one of Woolworths key brand values, alongside quality, innovation, value for money, integrity, energy and a focus on sustainability. Providing customer service that exceeds expectation is a key part of the “Woolworths difference”. Woolworths was also named as the company with the second most respected green initiatives in South Africa by Ask Afrika’s Trust Barometer. Ask Afrika’s Trust Barometer identifies South Africa’s most trusted companies and CEOs. This recognizes Woolworths’ passionate commitment to sustainability. Ends Woolworths and sustainability Woolworths Good business journey plan is an acceleration of Woolworths’ ongoing commitment to managing the business’ impact as it continues to grow and meet the increasing needs of South African consumers. For more on the Good business journey plan please visit: Woolworthsholdings.co.za