Craft brewers establish industry body

South Africa | It was a timely move. Faced with a weakening economy, a heavy tax load and powerful rivals like AB-InBev and Heineken, South Africa’s craft brewers have finally come together and established an industry body called Craft Brewers Association South Africa (CBASA). It is led by a committee of industry stalwarts Brian Stewart, Wolfgang Koedl, Troye May, Nick Smith, and Apiwe Nxusani Mawela.

Since the beginning of this year, they have been working together with the 200-strong community of local craft brewers to set up a united brewers association with the aim of forging a strong, growing and world class South African craft beer culture.

The CBASA’s definition of a craft brewer rests on two pillars: a craft brewer needs to be independent – no partial ownership by a major international brewer with over 5 percent market share in SA – and traditional. At least 80 percent of production needs to be made with malted cereal grains.

The association will pursue three broad objectives: public affairs, promotion and production. This means it seeks to grow the market share of craft beer; be a voice for the industry; help small brewers act big; create passionate drinkers; expand the membership base; be an educational resource; lobby public and private stakeholders; as well as empower entrepreneurs and offer craft beer education among previously disadvantaged groups.

Membership is only ZAR 500 (USD 34) per year.