South African vintners on edge as Trump plans 30 percent tariff

South Africa | On 2 April 2025, US President Donald Trump reached for an economic cudgel in the form of tariffs, and South African wine found itself slapped with a 30 percent levy. The US is South Africa’s fourth largest wine export market by value – USD 52 million worth of wine in 2024. During the 90-day grace period (until 8 July) the baseline tariff of 10 percent applies. But the 30 percent threat hangs over the industry like the sword of Damocles.

Wagner’s Africa Ti L’Or beer: vodka and water with tramadol?

Spit Central African Republic | In the streets of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), the beer brand Africa Ti L’Or has imposed itself with disconcerting speed. Marketed as a national brand, it bears a promising name, “Africa is gold” in Sango, the lingua franca of the CAR. Despite evoking Africa’s wealth and pride, the beer is not what it claims to be. Allegedly, it is a toxic cocktail: a mixture of vodka, dubious water and, even worse, narcotic substances like tramadol.

South Africa’s alcohol prices to rise

South Africa | In an unprecedented move, the 2025 National Budget was cancelled minutes after it was supposed to be tabled in early February. Notice of the cancellation came after the members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), a coalition, could not agree on the proposed tax changes, particularly the increase in value-added tax (VAT) from 15 percent to 17 percent. Leaked documents showed that the government had plans to hike the excise duty on alcohol and tobacco by 6.83 percent, and above inflation.

Naira depreciation pushes Nigerian Breweries to highest annual loss ever

Nigeria | The Nigerian brewing industry has been faced with inflationary pressures coupled with a Naira devaluation, which led to recurring losses. The country’ largest brewer, Nigerian Breweries, reported a post-tax loss of NGN 144.8 billion (USD 97 million) for its financial year 2024, as detailed in its financial report released on 14 February.

Dutch Royal Swinkels rumoured to set up shop in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe | Delta Corp’s monopoly in the Zimbabwean beer market could fall. The Dutch family-owned brewer Royal Swinkels (formerly known as Bavaria) is exploring options to build a 200,000 hl brewery in the country, people close to the matter told BRAUWELT International. The project is at an advanced stage, they said.

Ethiopia: Heineken rumoured in deal talks with hard seltzer firm Komari

Ethiopia | Ethiopian media were running ahead of things when they reported on 14 October, that Heineken had acquired Ethiopian RTD firm Komari Beverages, the manufacturer of the Arada range of hard seltzers. To date, the transaction has not been made official. When approached by the website just drinks, Heineken refused to comment on the rumour on 15 October.

SA Breweries warns that inflated tax threatens jobs, local growth

South Africa | The beer industry is calling for an excise tax that is in line with inflation or lower. The country’s market leader, South African Breweries (SAB), which is owned by AB-InBev, said the current tax of 25 percent of the weighted average retail price is excessive and could lead to the destruction of the beer industry.

Nigeria Breweries turns itself into total beverage alcohol firm

Nigeria | It has been a tough few years for Nigerian Breweries. Its 2023 annual accounts spilled plenty of red ink and a few weeks ago it had to suspend operations in two of its nine breweries. Its first quarter 2024 statements did not bring a lot of joy either. The firm, in which Heineken has a controlling stake, posted a loss after tax of NGN 52.1 billion (USD 38 million), Nigerian media reported on 29 April.

Heineken Nigeria shuts two plants

Nigeria | Heineken Nigeria, in which Heineken owns a majority stake, has temporarily shut two factories in the West African nation, which is plagued by the depreciation of the currency that increased costs and impaired the purchasing power of consumers. The Naira is at least 50 percent weaker than a year earlier.

South Africans to pay more for beer, wine, and cigarettes

South Africa | Bad news for drinkers and smokers: Sin taxes on alcohol will rise between 6.7 percent and 7.2 percent and above inflation. The measure is to help the government raise additional revenue to close its massive deficit. Duties on tobacco products will also increase between 4.7 percent and 8.2 percent.