Following the resounding success of the inaugural Beverage Entrepreneurship Conference in 2024, Brewster Academy is back with the second edition. Last year’s conference attracted over 100 entrepreneurs along with a network of strategic partners and stakeholders who greatly enriched the event.
This year founder Apiwe Mawela aiming even bigger by targeting beverage industry game changers in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink production, legislation and access to markets to share on opportunities for brewsters to learn, connect, and showcase their craft.
Brewsters Academy was recently approved for its first learner intake and is currently training 10 students as of 1st April. With the exception of industry giants, this trailblazing endeavor is a first for brewer training offered in South Africa.
Brewster Academy’s mission is simple:
- To develop Africa’s Beverage Industry and empower young entrants to build innovative, compliant, sustainable, and value-driven enterprises and fostering
- To foster an industry that is not just profit focused but striving toward long term sustainability by spreading awareness for regulatory adherence and industry regulation
Leading lady Mawela-Nxusana said, “Through this conference, my primary goal is to disseminate crucial information to the participants, ensuring that their businesses are built on a solid foundation that adheres to industry regulations and compliance standards. We are simply leveling the playing field.”
This year’s key speakers included Director of Client Relations Management for the Gauteng Liquor Board Cleo Bodibe-Lushaba lead the conversation around industry regulations and Mthobeli Phele from Sunset Cocktails who also unpacked the industry trends in mobile bar services.
Manufacturing, compliance and marketing strategies will be on the agenda . Heineken Beverages, SME South Africa and other key industry players spearheaded meaningful interactions with the potential to ignite growth and identify new opportunities.
Economic Impact of the Brewing Industry
- Alcoholic Beverages:
Contribution to South Africa’s GDP:
R226.3 billion (US$13.19 billion).
- In 2022, 90,512 hectares were dedicated to wine grape cultivation, employing 269,096 people and involving 2,613 producers with 536 cellars.
- Employment in the food and beverage sector stood at 236,527, with SMEs making a significant contribution.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Contribution to GDP: R60 billion,tax Contribution: R18 billion.
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