Booze association launches in Joburg
Bontle Moeng
Liquor producers recently launched the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) at the Mad Giant Brewery in Johannesburg.
The BASA brings together the Craft Brewers Association, Heineken South Africa and South African Breweries, to form a unified voice on issues affecting the industry and enhance beer culture in South Africa.
South Africa is one of the largest beer producing countries in the world and is the most popular beverage in the country in terms of volume and value. The industry is a major supplier of local jobs, an economic driver and a large revenue raiser for government.
Craft Brewers’ Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela said after many years of trying to set up the association, the launch finally took place. “Together the BASA members will do more to elevate beer and grow a positive beer culture in the country,” Nxusani-Mawela said.
Heineken South Africa managing director Gerrit van Loo said: “Heineken is a member of various brewers associations in different markets in the world. We know the important role the beer association can play in promoting the role of beer in society, differentiating beer as a category, advocating for certain regulations for the category and in demonstrating the economic impact of the beer sector.”
South African Breweries (SAB) Ricardo Moreira, chief executive said SAB regards the association as an opportunity to engage and educate consumers and civil society on their contribution to growing the country’s economy. “Beer plays a significant role in growing local communities through the use of predominantly locally sourced raw materials and the provision of sustainable jobs, supporting thousands of farmers, suppliers and retailers, and creating opportunities for inclusion for many SA youth and women. BASA will enable the industry to collectively contribute to shaping the category’s positive impact in South Africa and encourage stronger collaboration with government in creating a mutually beneficial business environment.”
Beer Association of South Africa CEO Sanele Gaqa said the association looks forward to working with government and its partners within the private sector and civil society to ensure sustainable growth of the sector, and to continue making a positive economic and social contribution to South Africa.
In 2018 the beer industry contributed 1.53% of GDP at a multiplier of 1.4 which is the same contribution as the mining industry, generating a total GDP impact of ZAR387.1 billion. Between 2015 and 2018 it supported around 200 000 jobs, contributing 1.4% of national employment last year alone.
The BASA members also recognise the negative effects of alcohol abuse in communities and are committed to differentiating beer as a product of moderation and leading co-regulation and transformation of the alcohol industry. Biznis Africa
