NBL excited about craft beer

NBL excited about craft beer Partners with two microbrewers Packages and contract brews Soweto Gold and Stellenbrau locally. Premium craft beer remained a small niche in South Africa at the end of the review period but is seeing strong growth and widening consumer awareness. Estimates by Standard Bank placed total volume growth rates at 30% in 2015, with a further 35% growth being expected in 2017. Growth is being driven by a rising focus on authenticity, provenance and innovation according to Euromonitor.

Namibia Breweries Limited has recently partnered up with South African-based microbrewers Stellenbrau and Soweto Gold. Speaking to its CEO Wessie van der Westhuizen, explained its roles in the brewers and why NBL chose to become involved.

Said Van der Westhuizen: “Since 2010 there has been a significant growth in the Craft sector in South Africa. There are currently 180 licensed craft micro-breweries in SA. We estimate the current volume of craft in South Africa to be in the region of 180 000 hectolitres growing at a historic rate of 35% per annum. Due to NBL’s participation in the Premium Category we have identified this growing sector as an area of potential future opportunity and are currently investigating various opportunities. In the last 18 months NBL has started contract brewing and packaging for two micro-breweries Stellenbrau, based in Stellenbosch, and now more recently Soweto Gold based in Soweto, Gauteng.

“We expect the growth of craft to continue in South Africa and Namibia. Regarding projections the craft [beer] sector is still in its infancy so it is very difficult to predict future volumes at this stage, however we would assume that volume would continue in line with historic growth as per the above.”

Providing clarity on its roles in Soweto Gold and Stellenbrau, Van der Westhuizen said, “We do not have interests in both micro-breweries; we co-pack for Stellenbrau in South Africa and distribute and sell their brand in Namibia. The Camelthorn brand on the other hand is owned by NBL. NBL currently brews and packages beer under license for the two micro-breweries mentioned above for the South African market. NBL are also the official distribution, marketing and sales partner for Stellenbrau in the Namibian market. At this stage the focus is on South Africa and Namibia only. ”

He also noted that the growth of local brewer had not been exceptional, saying, “There has been limited growth.”

OGONE TLHAGE