SA’s beer market still vibrant despite loadshedding and input costs toll

South Africa’s beer industry continues to be vibrant, despite rolling blackouts and soaring input costs.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Beer Association of South Africa (Basa) Patricia Pillay was on the OFM Business Hour to provide insight into the state of beer brewing in the country at the moment. Craft brewers were brought to their knees at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic with about 30% of them closing their doors permanently.

Beer tourism on the rise in SA 

Beer tourism is on the rise in South Africa. Pillay says the industry is also witnessing rising interest in beer and food pairing in the country at the moment.

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Citizens are choosing no alcohol beverages in increasing numbers 

Interestingly, citizens are seeking ‘no alcohol beverages’ in increasing numbers. The Beer Association of South Africa (Basa) says the people want more moderation and balance in life hence the shift towards low alcohol beverages.

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On the Calendar: The Intervarsity Brew 

The Intervarsity Brewing and Tasting Challenge to be hosted by the association and the Central University of Technology (CUT) is taking place on 20-22 October 2023. 

According to Pillay and company “the event challenges university students from local tertiary institutions to show initiative and embrace beer culture through participation in the competition. Student teams have to brew 6 different beers and design an original label. The event takes place over 2 days and features presentations by student brew teams, tasting training, blind tasting by qualified judges, as well as technical presentations by influencers and experts in the craft and commercial brewing space. Participants representing 15 universities joined the event in Bloemfontein in 2022 and home team members could watch the activities live on the YouTube channel. The competition is open to all South African universities and aims to promote craft brewing and beer culture in South Africa under the umbrella of responsible drinking”.

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