In January 2026, Windhoek C & C recorded the lowest total cost for the selected staple basket, making it the most cost-effective wholesaler for the month, while Wecke & Voigts was the most expensive, largely due to a significant price outlier in rice.
Tastic Rice (10kg) showed the greatest price volatility, ranging from N$179.99 at Metro to N$264.60 at Wecke & Voigts. In contrast, staples such as maize meal and sugar remained relatively stable across all wholesalers, with only minor price differences.
Price Analysis by Item:
Cooking Oil (4L – Nola)
- Cheapest at Windhoek C & C (N$165.95)
- Highest at Wecke & Voigts (N$186.70)
Top Score Maize Meal (10kg)
- Minimal price variation across wholesalers
- Prices range narrowly between N$113.95 and N$115.99, indicating stable pricing.
Marathon Sugar (10kg)
- Lowest price at Windhoek C & C (N$192.95)
- Other wholesalers uniformly priced at N$199.99.
Chicken (4kg – Real Good/Kadila)
- Cheapest at Windhoek C & C (N$211.99)
- Slightly higher prices at other wholesalers, peaking at Wecke & Voigts (N$220.50).
Tastic Rice (10kg)
- Significant price dispersion observed
- Metro (N$179.99) offers the lowest price
- Wecke & Voigts (N$264.60) is substantially higher, driving up its total basket cost.
Macaroni Pasta (5kg – Polana)
- Cheapest at NAMICA (N$118.99) and Windhoek C & C (N$119.95)
- Higher prices at Metro and Wecke & Voigts.
Long Life Full Cream Milk (1L × 6 – Nammilk)
- Lowest at Metro (N$131.99)
- Highest at NAMICA (N$157.99).
Vetkoek Wheat Flour (10kg – Bakpro/Bokomo)
- Cheapest at NAMICA (N$133.99)
- Slightly higher prices across other wholesalers.
Conclusion & consumer takeaway
Overall, January 2026 highlights continued price differences across wholesalers, with Windhoek C & C offering the most affordable staple basket, while higher prices at Wecke & Voigts, particularly for rice and milk, pushed total costs upward.
Although prices for core staples such as maize meal and sugar remained relatively stable, consumers and small retailers can benefit from comparing wholesalers and prioritizing lower-priced outlets, especially for items with high price volatility, to better manage food expenditure.
