I didn’t expect to see a Bidvest logistics truck or Fry’s vegetarian burger patties during a morning stroll through a town in the United Kingdom (UK).

The Bidvest truck driver delivered beer, wine and food to a pub. My favourite Fry’s vegetarian burgers (made in KwaZulu-Natal) are available in a health store just a block away from the pub. The Waitrose supermarket across the street stocks bottles of 2009 Boschendal Cabernet Sauvignon.

I shouldn’t have been surprised. South Africa has some awesome products, services and minds. And the country enjoys a long history of trade with the UK. Yet it was a good reminder for me.  I am looking forward to seeing more South African products and services sold into developed markets during 2012. I will be doing my bit.