Alcoholic beer market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the alcoholic beer market in South Africa expanded in volume, reaching 3 361 млн л. This initial growth was supported by the launch of innovative products such as SAB's Castle Free, the first non-alcoholic beer in the country, and a notable rise in craft beer offerings, which catered to evolving consumer tastes. However, in 2020, the market volume plummeted by 22% to 2 620 млн л due to the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed alcohol bans, which forced brewery closures and severely restricted sales.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, with volume rising by 19% to 3 119 млн л, driven by the accelerated growth of no- and low-alcohol segments. Improved brewing techniques enhanced the flavor of non-alcoholic beers, making them more appealing, while the easing of restrictions allowed for recovery in consumption. This recovery continued into 2022, with volume reaching 3 364 млн л, as alcohol bans were fully lifted, reigniting consumer interest in beer tourism and festivals. The non-alcoholic segment saw significant expansion, with Castle Free producing two million bottles monthly, and the Beer Association of South Africa actively promoted low- and no-alcohol products.

In 2023, market volume grew further to 3 554 млн л, but in value terms, it stabilized at around 2 713 млн долл. США. This decoupling reflected an economic slowdown that prompted brands to innovate and diversify their portfolios, balancing full-strength and no-low alcohol options to meet cost-conscious demand. Additionally, tighter advertising regulations constrained marketing efforts, further influencing market dynamics.

Production alcoholic beer in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 11th globally in alcoholic beer production.

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 3 100 million liters of alcoholic beer, marking a 19.2% increase from the previous year. Production peaked in 2019 at 3 250 million liters, then dropped to its lowest point in 2020 at 2 600 million liters, representing a 20.0% decline that year.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, M l

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, alcoholic beer production in South Africa rebounded in 2021, with output valued at 2 609 million US dollars—a sharp 45.2% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, production grew by 2.5%, averaging 0.8% annually. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 797 million US dollars, reflecting a 22.7% drop that year.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports alcoholic beer from South Africa

Exports in kind, M l

In 2021, South Africa exported 109.5 million liters of alcoholic beer, up 24.6% from 2020. Exports reached their highest level in 2019 at 129.1 million liters, then fell to a low of 87.9 million liters in 2020, a 31.9% decrease. Over 2018–2021, exports increased by 10.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Zambia, Mozambique, and Botswana were the leading destinations for South Africa's alcoholic beer exports by volume. Zambia accounted for 29.2% of exports, Mozambique for 16.3%, and Botswana for 13.6%, together making up 59.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of alcoholic beer exports from South Africa stood at 92.2 million US dollars, showing a sharp 51.7% increase from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 92.4 million US dollars, while the lowest was in 2020 at 60.7 million US dollars, a 34.2% decline. Over 2018–2021, export value grew by 14.7%, with an average annual rate of 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, Zambia, Botswana, and Mozambique formed the core markets for South Africa's alcoholic beer exports by value. Zambia represented 25.8% of export value, Botswana 15.8%, and Mozambique 15.1%, together accounting for 56.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports alcoholic beer to South Africa

Imports in kind, M l

In 2021, South Africa imported approximately 128.1 million liters of alcoholic beer, an 18.3% increase from 2020. Imports peaked in 2019 at 239.9 million liters, then dropped to their lowest in 2020 at 108.3 million liters, a 54.8% decline. Over 2018–2021, imports decreased by 16.1%, with an average annual decline of 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia, the Netherlands, and Mexico were the main sources of alcoholic beer imports to South Africa by volume. Namibia accounted for 38.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 32.2%, and Mexico for 23.1%, together representing 93.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, South Africa imported alcoholic beer valued at 112.7 million US dollars, a sudden 27.5% increase from the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 242.1 million US dollars, while the lowest was in 2020 at 112.7 million US dollars, a 53.5% drop. Over 2018–2021, import value decreased by 10.5%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018–2021, Namibia, Mexico, and the Netherlands were the top suppliers of alcoholic beer to South Africa by value. Namibia accounted for 38.7% of import value, Mexico for 33.6%, and the Netherlands for 21.0%, together making up 93.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021