A Vide e Caffè store in Johannesburg, South Africa | Photo credit: Vide e Caffè

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South African coffee chain Vida e Caffè has acquired Cape Town’s healthy food chain Sweetbeet in an attempt to tap into an increasing global appetite for healthier food options.
 
The deal, first signed at the end of 2021, will see the Portuguese-inspired café chain’s Vida coffee served in all Sweetbeet outlets in Cape Town. Since being acquired, Sweetbeet has opened four new stores in 2022 with plans to grow to approximately 18 locations in South Africa by February 2023. 
 
Vida says Sweetbeet healthy food products, which target a growing vegetarian and vegan customer base in South Africa, will also soon become available for purchase in Vida coffee shops.
 
The two brands will continue to operate under their separate identities, but a press release suggests that the acquisition may lead to further synergy of operations in some locations.
 
Vida e Caffè is the largest coffee chain in South Africa, with more than 220 stores in South Africa, as well as in Mauritius, Zambia and West Africa. The group has sites in standalone locations on high streets and in shopping malls, as well as within Shell convenience stores and forecourts. 
 
Research cited by Vida indicates a growing trend towards healthy food and beverage products and sustainability among South African consumers. The trend recently prompted Vida to introduce a new plant-based range across its stores.