Beer
Our ability to innovate is one of the reasons why we have evolved into the largest brewer in the world. Over the years, we have re-invented ourselves to ensure that we create exciting new products and develop the beer experience.
Portfolio of Brands
We produce a portfolio of local and international beer brands, offering consumers a choice of the highest quality beers, crafted with over a century of expertise to the highest global standards. We not only produce legendary, award-winning local beers like Castle and Carling Black Label, but we offer South Africans access to a wide range of alcoholic beverages, ensuring there’s a drink for all tastes and experiences.
At SAB, we take a portfolio approach to our brands. This means we will continue to strengthen our local brands, sustain the momentum of our premium beer portfolio, accelerate our Flavored Alcoholic Beverages (FABs), innovate to win with new and exciting products and invest in creating memorable beer experiences.
Consistent in quality, strong in flavour, we have a diverse portfolio of brands to suit all palates. There’s the flavoursome local giants Castle, Carling Black Label, Hansa, Castle Lite and Castle Milk Stout. And also our global brands; Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona.
Brewing Excellence
Our brewers recognize that the slightest variance in ingredients or method can drastically affect a beer’s taste, aroma or appearance. In light of this, from first germination of barley seeds to the final tankard of beer, only the highest standards are acceptable. Their skills in the art and science of brewing are born in their depth of knowledge, training and long experience. As we grow and develop into the future, our passion for beer will continue to inspire us to lead the development of the beer.
Beer... The Drink of Moderation
Beer is almost always at the heart of a social or special occasion, and is widely regarded as the world’s favourite alcoholic beverage. It dates back to between 7 000 and 10 000 years ago, when the move from nomadic tribesmen to settled pastoralists is said to have resulted in the growing of barley to brew for beer. This was known as Mead.
Enjoyed by millions of people around the world, beer has been used for thousands of years in spiritual or religious ceremonies and social gatherings. In today’s more recent days, it has become the drink of many a connoisseur, paired with delicious food created by celebrity chefs. It has played a part in elevating the culinary arts by providing a complete experience for the senses.
We stand for responsible drinking. We believe that beer adds to the enjoyment of life, but it should never be abused or misused. Those who drink excessively put themselves and those around them at risk, which is something we work hard to prevent.
We are 100% committed to producing and marketing our products responsibly at the same time as engaging with South African society to tackle problematic drinking behaviours.
We maintain our position at the forefront of the attack on alcohol abuse, investing annually into high impact programmes that make a real impact on drinking and driving, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and underage drinking. We are proud of the products we produce, but we take a clear stand when it comes to the consequences of alcohol abuse.
We acknowledge our responsibility as South Africa’s leading alcohol beverage company and the opportunity we have to positively influence social change.
Fransen Street Brewery
SAB has produced a small number of speciality beers at craft festivals that have since been brewed by Fransen Street Brewery, our microbrewery that was first opened in 1999. The beers have been developed to the highest quality by our expert brewmasters, and have been welcomed by both consumers and retailers. We have placed our 15 years of experience in brewing speciality beers into these recipes, which are offered to an exclusive and limited number of outlets in Gauteng. Due to their limited production, these beers will continue to be exclusive, more expensive and a delightful experience for those who are exploring the beer category and culture in South Africa.
Craft Beer Movement
We are firm believers and supporters for craft brewers and the craft beer movement, as our own story began in much the same way. We fully support the growth of this movement through the supply of raw materials and delivery of expertise to the microbreweries.
We were the first major sponsors of the main craft beer festivals around the country, helping to propel the craft movement into the mainstream. We facilitated and funded the establishment of the Craft Beer Association. We believe that craft beer provides an interest factor to beer and adds to the excitement and enjoyment. Pulling more people into beer is a positive move for beer.