On Tap is South Africa's and Africa's first and only beer publication - a quarterly magazine aimed at brewers, craft brewers, homebrewers, beer fanatics and those just beginning to dip their proverbial toe into the mash tan.
I believe I might have mentioned in all of my previous letters to you, the beer lover, what a privilege it is to be part of the beer industry in South Africa. With tourism being close to my heart, Beer Tourism being something in relative infancy, but rapidly growing, we have tried to place it in context by looking wide; to tell the story of beers from all around the world. South Africa is an exceptional place, we fight the odds regularly, small businesses regularly carry the weight of the economy on their shoulders. It is for these reasons that it is often easy to reflect inwards, to one's daily struggles and to forget that the world is full of experiences from which we can learn. Craft Breweries are, overwhelmingly,…
Kamini Dickie With over 20 years in the global brewing and beverage world… in beer, wine, cider, kombucha, hard seltzer, botanicals…Kamini established Cleverfish Consulting to help companies create innovative cross-category drinks. Kamini specialises in the technical development and commercialisation of beverages. Her career spans new product development, sensory science, strategic marketing, technical sales, and global key account management. Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela is a Brewmaster with over 15 years of practical brewing experience in both micro and macro breweries throughout Africa. She is also an internationally recognised beer judge and the founder of Tolokazi Beer and the Brewsters Academy. Byron Lombard Byron Lombard started his beer journey on social media in 2017 and has since become well known as The Beer Bruh. Blogging, reviewing and celebrating Craft Beer has become…
In this spring edition of On Tap, the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) is excited to celebrate growth. It is, after all, the time of year when we think about renewal and regeneration. September is celebrated as the month of spring, and it is also tourism and heritage Month. During the month, the South African government provides a heightened focus on the importance of the tourism sector to the South African economy and reflect on our wealth in diversity and cultural background. In the following pages you can read about how beer is an underutilised contributor to the tourist economy - and how the industry is working to change this. Slowly, many international tourists are recognising our local craft breweries as worthy destinations, as well as valuing the ways…
South Africa's diversity creates a landscape where traditions thrive, cultures blend and innovation sparks. The same can be said for the world of brewing in South Africa, a space where science meets artistry. Yet, within this traditionally male-dominated domain, the voices and contributions of women have often been overlooked. The tide is turning however, and women are increasingly asserting their presence and expertise in the science of brewing, reshaping the industry in profound ways. “Beer is a beverage enjoyed by many; its lower alcohol content makes it a popular choice for those seeking a more mindful drinking experience. However, in South Africa, the abundance of great beers available to consumers can make it challenging to find a style that aligns with your personal taste preferences,” said Charlene Louw, CEO of…
South Africa's beer tourism is slowly but surely attracting serious global attention. The opportunity to position South Africa as an international beer tourism destination should be seized. Tourism has bounced back from the post-Covid slump. International tourist arrivals in South Africa from January to December 2023 totalled 8.5 million. This is a remarkable 49% increase compared with arrivals in 2022. It has been estimated that tourism and travel contribute 8.6% to the South African economy and provides just over 9% of the jobs in our country. Research further shows that for every 30 new tourists to a destination one new job is created. South Africa has a vibrant beer industry with approximately 200 craft breweries, many of whom have been internationally recognised as brewing extraordinary beer. You will also find…
Skills development is a critical catalyst for unlocking South Africa's economic potential and addressing the persistent challenge of unemployment. The beer industry is an economic driver in many communities across South Africa. We boast with over 200 craft breweries with world-class products and uniquely local taste experiences. Craft beer tourism is currently underutilised as an economic resource and job creator. The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) was recently instrumental in launching two new training programmes to give people the skills and knowledge to further unlock the economic potential of beer tourism in South Africa. The Craft Beer Association of South Africa (CBASA) launched a new training programme earlier this year that aims to equip local tour guides with the knowledge and skills to guide travellers seeking experiences that involve…
