African Originals, the beverage company behind brands such as Kenyan Originals, African Originals and 5.8 has raised USD$2m in a funding round led by Phoenix Beverages Limited, Mauritius' largest beverage company. 

Campari Group has acquired a minority stake in the owner of single malt whisky brand Bunnahabhain.

Gin-brand Elephant Gin has announced the launch of the Elephant Gin Foundation, an independent non-profit dedicated to protecting African wildlife.

Distell International’s Amarula African Gin is set to debut in Europe next month, starting with the UK, along with its Amarula Cream Liqueur, which has entered the European market for the first time.

Strong demand from the UK, the US and China helped South African wine exports increase by 12.1% in value to R10.2bn in 2021.

South African cream liqueur brand Amarula has launched a vegan variant to serve the growing proportion of consumers that are adopting plant-based diets.

The 2021 South African wine harvest has been estimated at 1,461,599 tonnes, 8.9% larger than in 2020.

Heineken is in talks with South African wine and spirits producer Distell about acquiring “the majority” of its business.

Renowned South African winemaker Bruce Jack speaks to Drinks International about the challenges the industry has faced this year and its future prospects.

The South African government has been urged to scrap its alcohol prohibition in order to avoid “devastating consequences” at home and abroad.

South African wine producers have been cleared to resume exports after the country’s coronavirus lockdown was eased.

South African producers have received permission to export their wine around the world after intensive lobbying efforts over the past week.

South African wineries are now permitted to finish the 2020 harvest after the government added them to the list of essential businesses during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Guala Closures Group has announced that it has begun the process for the acquisition of the Metal Closures division of South Africa’s MCG Industries.

Diageo is aiming to make Guinness the biggest beer brand by value in Africa with the launch of a pan-market ad campaign.

Diageo subsidiary East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has opened a $55 million brewery in Moshi, Tanzania. 

East African Breweries Limited (EABL), a subsidiary of Diageo, has completed the acquisition of 51% of the issued share capital of Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL). EABL made the purchase from existing shareholders for a total consideration of approximately US$60.4million.

Wines Of South Africa’s (WOSA) first Sommelier World Cup has been won by an American.

The South African wine industry has launched a new sustainability seal, as a guarantee of environmentally-sensitive production.