In the SA wine business, staying positive against the odds is nothing new. Yet, even for the most optimistic, the news of a lockdown at the end of March 2020 hit like one too many glasses of plonk.
South Africa’s liquor industry, particularly craft distillers and brewers, have been hard hit by the protracted lockdown and ban on the sale of alcohol, with fears that many may not be able to survive.
Several weeks into lockdown South Africans are reconnecting with their kitchens. But it’s not demand for humble ingredients such as potatoes, garlic or onions that is rising exponentially, but rather pineapples.
Taverns and shebeens have dropped threatened court action for now. Here is an extract from a brilliant article in Daily Maverick, on "Prohibition lockdown goes rogue".... [The rank collective stupidity of the ANC and some of its advisors beggars belief as SA heads to economic suicide. Ed]
In this time of COVID-19 lockdown and uncertainty, don't let bottled water myths add to anxiety, advises the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA).
Leading food safety consultancy, Entecom, has compiled a COVID-19 support pack to help you with the development of a mitigation plan for your company.
Winemakers in South Africa are gearing up for an “exceptional” 2020 vintage, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Leading SA drinks group Distell plans to consolidate its “core wine brands” and sell some of its “ultra-premium assets”.
There's no keeping talented entrepreneurs down! The team who created Frankie’s Olde Style Soda are now gin makers extraordinaire - and recently won a global award after but a short time in the game.
Lockdown regulations are likely to maim the local wine industry and will have a severe impact beyond the next few weeks, says wine producers body, Vinpro.
The alcohol industry has mobilised to save South Africa from the persistent shortage of hand sanitiser, reports CapeTalk radio.
Distell's has just dropped a "Jean-ius!" new Savanna cider flavour on the market, adding more options to its ever-growing drinks portfolio.
News just to light, is that Namibia Breweries (NBL) has introduced Windhoek Non-Alcoholic to its premium Windhoek range.
SA's craft gin craze is everywhere as hobbyists turn their garage and stoep ventures into profitable businesses. But who’s really crafting fine gins, and who is hoodwinking with flavoured vodkas?
Well-known, Capetonian brand-builder, Rui Esteves [from Brewers & Union] fame, has launched a new oat milk, OKJA Oat M*lk - in a funky, stylish way that taps deeply into the plant-based trend trajectory.
Long4Life, Brian Joffe’s investment group, has announced the resignation of its CEO of its Chill Beverages subsidiary, Grant Hobbs, amid a shakeup in its beverages division.
South Africa's strict new drunk driving laws may be in effect from as soon as June 2020, including a zero-tolerance 0% legal blood-alcohol limit, and far harsher punishments for those found guilty.
Twizza, the soft drinks company based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, has commissioned a state-of-the-art production canning line to package its popular Clark & Sons mixer range - and offer contract packing.
Data from a new survey tapping into the public’s attitudes towards recycling has revealed that the majority of working and middle-class South Africans simply find recycling too much effort.
The SA wine industry is entering a new phase of repositioning, consolidation and reinvestment. Although challenges such as climate change, shifts in production and demand and financial pressures are expected to continue into 2020, the industry is becoming more streamlined, focused and adaptable, reports Vinpro MD, Rico Basson.