When it comes to thirst quenchers, beer is often the top option for most South Africans. With nearly ZAR53 billion spent on the alcoholic beverage last year, locals remain spoiled for choice – especially with the explosion of craft beer brewers over the last three years, with even more growth expected.
In 2013, there were only 30 artisanal craft breweries across the country. Today, that number is closer to 200, with the most recent additions being two opening in Jeffreys Bay within the past two months. According to CraftBru, the majority of the country’s craft breweries can be found in the Western Cape province (46%), while the rest are scattered across the other provinces – mainly Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
A Business Tech report cites a forecast that the industry would grow by 35% in 2016, mostly due to expansion of the top brands – Jack Black, CBC, Darling, Boston and Mitchell’s – which account for 3.7 million litres of the 8 million litre craft beer market.
