National supermarket chain guru Raymond Ackerman has officially stepped down.

Ackerman used the occasion of his 79th birthday on Wednesday to bow out of his leadership position at Pick ‘n Pay and officially hand over the reins to his son Gareth.

The founder advised his successor to remember that business principles essentially never change.

Ackerman said he burnt his fingers opening stores in Australia, but added he has great plans to open more supermarkets in Africa.

He does not want to rush the project, but announced that stores would be opening soon in Zambia, Mozambique and Mauritius.

Ackerman is adamant Pick ‘n Pay must remain a family business and keep its values of putting the customer first.

(Edited by Danya Philander)