DrinksWorld Podast: Recent Episodes
Holger Meier
DrinksWorld supports independent business owners in the beverage industry.
The DrinksWorld podcast is hosted by Holger Meier a passionate networker and storyteller with 25+ years sales and marketing experience in the beer and liquor industry.
Big Eye Branding founder Matthew Fitzsimons shares how he and twin brother Roger, built a fantastic business on the back of the brewers and beverage companies in Africa.
Starting in 1993, SAB aggressively expanded outside its home country, they invested in Eastern Europe, in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Management control was gained of breweries in Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda during this period. All these brewers had one thing in common, they needed promotional and marketing material.
There to take advantage of this opportunity Matthew and Roger founded Big Eye Branding to supply world class marketing material to 47 countries in these underserved markets.
https://www.ronrutland.com/ https://open.spotify.com/episode/0amXnTEF05splUJIawncoG?si=71e9a1468c694327
https://www.bigeyebranding.com/ Promobasket.co.za
That Sht Will Never Sell by* David Gluckman A book about ideas by the person who had them.
David Gluckman worked in the creative heart of the global drinks business for half a century, creating such well-known brands as multibillion-selling Baileys Irish Cream, Tanqueray Ten, Cîroc and many others.
Many fantastic lessons about innovation in the drinks business: David Gluckman started in the advertising business in 1969, moved to London and had a very unusual career in product innovation mainly in the beverage industry. Hear the real story behind Baileys Irish Cream a 7 million case p.a. brand available in 162 countries and other great drinks brands.
This is not another boring business book. It's a book full of valuable stories and tips from David.
Links: https://www.thatshitwillneversell.com/book.html https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BDGDPB2J/
saffasabroad baileys ciroc smirnoffblack
After finishing at the top of his undergraduate class, our guest, Markus Filter went on to do his BCom Hons and MCom degree at the University of Stellenbosch. In this conversation he gives us insights into his final thesis:
DEALCOHOLISED WINE : MOTIVATIONS, PREFERENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF SOUTH AFRICAN GENERATION Y CONSUMERS
It is wonderful to chat to this young achiever about his interest in the beverage industry, his studies and his struggles to get real work experience after his long academic career.
Contact Markus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusfilter/ Here is a link to his Masters thesis: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/125006
In this episode we talk to Capetonian, Murray Stephenson, head brewer at the Okavango Craft Brewery.
Murray is a very experienced brewer who started brewing at Woodstock Brewery just after Andre Viljoen opened the brewery, then he moved to Jack Black and then he was off to help Patiala Brew&Q to open their brewpub in Constantia before his move to Maun.
Links:
https://okavangocraftbrewery.com/
https://beerexplorer.co.za/
Breweries in Souther Africa: Botswana: Big Sip Co, Gabarone Okavango Craft Brewery, Maun
Namibia: Roof of Africa Craft Brewery, Windhoek The Beer Barrel Brewery, Namibia Tolch Brewery, Windhoek Namib Dunes Craft Brewery, Swakopmund Swakopmund Brewing Company, Swakopmund Skeleton Coast Brewery, Henties Bay
Naute Kristall Distillery, Keetmanshoop Stillhouse Atlantic, Swakopmund Copper & Coal Distillery, Walvisbay
Zimbabwe: The River Brewing Company, Vic Falls
Zambia: Rebel Craft Brewer, Lusaka Wilddog - Tiemann Brewery, Lusaka
eSwatini:
Thunderbolt Craft Brewery, Mahlanya, eSwatini Jackalberry Distillery
Mauritius: Flying Dodo Brewing Company Oxenham Craft Brewery MANAWA Craft Brewery (Phoenix Beverages Group)
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Kian Gogle from Gap Draught joins us in the episode.
Gap Draught is a monitoring system to help improve draught profitability for the outlets and helps the brewers monitor volumes poured, sanitisation compliance, freshness, quality and stock-outs.
Links: https://www.gap-draught.com/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Holger Meier and Keith McLintock talk about beer. Keith clearly loves beer and the beer community and he explains how that passion for craft resulted in the launch of KEGTracker. Neill is his local brewer: https://beerworld.co.za/niall-cook/
Her recommends reading "So you want to start a brewery? : the Lagunitas story" by Tony Magee https://africa1lib.vip/book/3326239/c58202
https://africanbeercup.com/
https://kegtracker.co.za/ https://beeroclock.co.za/
https://kegstar.com/
KEGTracker provides brewers with the data to make better decisions.
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Johan Auriacombe is the driving force behind the Capital's Beer Mecca, Capital Craft and Capital Craft Beer Festival, SA's biggest craft beer festival.
Johan has a solid background in music, events and festivals and he always wanted to start a bar that sells "other" beers.
Johan is a wonderful story teller and shares some tips for up-and-coming brewers.
Links:
https://www.capitalcraft.co.za/
https://www.capitalcraft.co.za/beer-fest/
The Capital Craft Beer Festival always takes place the day before Father's Dat at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens. This is the biggest and the best craft beer festival in South Africa.
The bar at Capital Craft Beer Academy stock a fantastic range of local and imported beers.
Breweries in Pretoria:
https://draymans.com/
https://friarshabit.co.za/
https://beerworld.co.za/marius-botha-hazeldean-brewing-company/
https://www.facebook.com/laborayard2.co.za/
http://binarybrewworx.co.za/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
The liquor industry is still struggling to recover from the effects of the harsh liquor lockdown imposed by the government of this country and many friends and colleagues have lost their livelihoods and may have no option other than to look abroad for opportunities.
In this podcast episode we talk to Victoria Smith who is the brand manager for top champagne house Piper Heidsieck. Victoria talks to us about her new job and kindly gives us some insights into the UK job market and she shares some tips on finding employment opportunities in the UK.
Victoria tells us about the latest drinks trends in the UK wine industry that may interest South African brand owners.
Follow our podcast series #saffasabroad to hear stories from South Africans that have found opportunities overseas.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-smith-9a926b71
https://www.piper-heidsieck.com/
https://www.libertywines.co.uk/
https://www.mcguiganwines.com.au/blog/new-releases/zero-alcohol-wine-new-release.html
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
RHBC is the home of Craft Beer in Gqeberha/PE, where Niall Cook is quietly brewing some fantastic beers and craft beverages.
Niall shares his story of how he did his first brew as a 16 year old. Niall believes his success comes from collaborating with fellow brewers. Lots of tips. Well worth a listen.
https://richmondhillbrewing.com/
Outlets:
https://www.facebook.com/BeerYardPE
https://www.facebook.com/BeerShackPE
https://www.facebook.com/CharliesPizzaSummerstrand
https://www.facebook.com/villagelocalpe
RHBC beers are available at local Tops @ Spar and Prestons Liquor Stores as well as speciality liquor stores in the main centres.
Suppliers:
https://africahops.co.za/
https://beerguevara.com/
https://www.bevplus.com/
https://liquidculture.co.za/
https://za.seabournelogistics.com/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Today we are visiting the tiny village of Sabie, in the heart of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, our guest is conservationist and brewer, Shaun McCartney one of the founders of the Sabie Brewing Company.
Shaun studied Forestry at Saarsveld, and then worked in the Eastern Transvaal forestry industry most of his working life.
The Sabie Brewing Company is located in a beautiful roadside heritage building, and it is a perfect lunch time stop for visitors.
Shaun did a brewing course Sutherland University: https://brewlab.co.uk/training-courses/
Contact:
https://www.sabiebrewery.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-mccartney-30a10260/
Links:
http://www.york.co.za/
https://www.welgevonden.org/
Beer and Spirit Explorer:
https://www.anvilbrewery.com/
https://dullstroomgin.com/
http://www.hopshollow.co.za/
http://www.mhoba.com/
https://thegincompany.co.za/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Devin Tomlinson is the Global Brand Ambassador for Whitley Neill Gin and Dead Mans Fingers at Halewood Artisanal Brands.
Devin shares his journey from events manager at Billy the Bums in Durban to Global Brand Ambassador in the UK, with us. He is very upbeat about Halewood in the UK and South Africa. Devin shares his insights about global drinks trends with us. Well worth a listen.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-blaine-tomlinson-64777a97
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
In this podcast episode we talk to James Addison and Paul Wessels who both work in the beer industry in Hong Kong. They have kindly agreed to give us some insight into how things work in this exciting South East Asian country.
For more from South Africans that have found opportunities overseas #saffasabroad
Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-addison-695275ba/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-wessels-52565317a/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Luke Bartmann is a South African entrepreneur, with more than 25 years experience in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). Holger and Luke's paths crossed when Luke was heading up the Red Bull team in Durban. Luke then moved to Cape Town and later to Dubai. He then changed to Carlsberg in the UAE.
In 2013 he started the African Brand Company an expert sourcing business based in Cape Town, South Africa.
https://africanbrandcompany.com/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Ex SAB brewer Arno Matthee, head brewer at Lion Brewery (Ceylon), joins Holger Meier and they talk about Sri Lanka, SAB and Arno's adventures as a brewer in Africa and now in South Asia. During his adventures with SAB Arno has visited more than 30 countries.
Arno started his career at Polokwane, (the Pietersburg). After his training he went to Chamdor, followed by Butterworth and then Rosslyn, then back to Polokwane. Arno then left SAB, bought two liquor stores in Caledon. This bored him and when SAB contacted him again and he jumped to the opportunity and went to Bangalore in India. After that he came back to SAB Africa and did work in the following countries: Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and South Sudan.
At SAB, Arno was involved in new product development and he worked on various casava projects.
SAB was more than a brewery, it was an academic institution
Carson Cumberbatch, a private family is the main shareholder of Lion Brewery (Ceylon) other shareholders include Carlsberg at 25% stake and Allan Grey at 3%. Management is 100% local. Carlsberg standards are followed to a large degree. Carson Cumberbatch are mainly in palm oil and hotels.
Links:
LinkedIn: Arno Matthee
http://lionbeer.com/
http://www.beerhunter.com/documents/19133-001402.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrack
https://noongun.beer/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
What started as a student job, became a career decision! Andrew started his pupillage (apprenticeship) at Bavaria Bräu in 1992 under supervision of the proprietor, Bavarian brewmaster, George Funk. Andrew started with brew no 3.
Andrew studied microbiology and got some work experience in a lab, a dairy, a pathology lab and at an effluent plant. After that I guess it made his decision to become a brewer an easy one.
Andrew shares his memories of the beautiful brewery at Bavaria Bräu. And we reminisce about the beautiful pub at the brewery which was always open on Friday’s. The pub was central to the culture of the brewery. We remember Mr Funk always ordering a "Pfiff" (the smallest measure of beer in Bavaria) 1/4 beer and 3/4 foam, when he was not quiet ready to leave, but had had enough to drink.
Lots of wonderful memories from this brewery that sadly was probably 10-15 years before its time. Sadly there is also not much history about this brewery as it was all before the internet.
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/john-murray-international-cider-maker/
https://beerworld.co.za/hrh-luitpold-prince-of-bavaria-schlossbrauerei-kaltenberg/
We talk about the launch of Two Dogs in South Africa and the lessons learned from that event.
Andrews then had a stint as Project Manager - New Product Development at SAB and he shares the back story to the relaunch of Lion Lager in 2000 that bombed out so badly.
After a short stint at Alrode Maltings, Andrew moved on to SAB’s Training Institute, which set him up for his second career, which for the last 20 years has been training, trying to pass on the knowledge to the next generation, passing on some of the traditions, passing on some of the pride in the craft, because brewing is more than a job its a calling.
Andrew Downes about SAB: SAB had an incredibly rich heritage, there were good traditions. They didn’t get to no 2 in the world by mistake. They were tough. They took no prisoners. They understood their business and they measured everything: If it moved you measured it. If it didn’t move, you kicked it until it moved and then you measured it. And if it still didn’t move, you painted it yellow and black! SAB was very cost conscious, not overly privileged, there was no tolerance for waste. The competition had no chance!
Andrew then joined Global Beverage Solution as a travel trainer, and he continues to work as a freelance brewer and trainer. He lives about 5kms from Swagga Breweries where you will often find him busy in the brewery.
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/louis-peters-sales-development-manager-africa-and-adventurer/
Then Andrew shares some wonderful stories from all the countries he has visited in Africa and around the world, since starting his training career.
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Today we are talking surfing, beer, coffee and radio with Cape Town’s veteran Surf Reporter and Beer Entrepreneur, Deon Bing. Deon shares his journey which started as a once off fundraising event to adding a beer businesses to his extensive range of businesses. Lots of valuable lessons.
https://deonbing.co.za/
Links:
https://woodstockbrewery.co.za/ https://www.instagram.com/bokradio989fm/
https://www.instagram.com/heroesrestaurant/
https://www.instagram.com/bananajamcafe/
https://www.instagram.com/surfbeertravel/
https://www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk/blog/woodstock-brewery-transforms-into-soup-kitchen-amid-south-african-alcohol-ban/
https://discoverpacifico.com/pages/la-cerveza
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Our guest did his apprenticeship as a brewer in Germany and his passion for the brewing industry has taken him abroad as far as Namibia, New Zealand, South Africa and Kenya.
Now back in Germany, our guest, Sebastian Meyer is ensuring that locals in his medieval hometown in Middle Franconia, Bavaria, once again have a local beer that they can be proud of.
Links: https://www.facebook.com/Unterschwaningen/ https://www.craftbrewerspowwow.co.za/ https://africanbeercup.com/
http://www.schneider-bier.de/ Bayerischer Bahnhof Original Leipziger Gose https://www.brauerei-gutmann.de/hefeweizen/
http://www.beergardeninn.com/
https://www.bevplus.com/
https://dematechsa.com/
https://www.eabl.com/en/our-brands/beers/senator-lager
https://www.roche.com/innovation/structure/rnd-locations/dia-penzberg
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Andre Pienaar is the very creative distiller at Pienaar & Son, a small craft distillery located in the Silo District of Cape Town Harbour. Andre and Holger talk about the journey from the years in Roeland Street to the new location at Makers Landing and how this new location has allowed Andre to focus his attention on building a following for the distillery and shift his focus to servicing consumers directly via their online and retail stores. Lots of interesting lessons for brand owners and retailers.
https://pienaarandson.co.za/
Suppliers: https://www.logichem.com/ http://BerlinPackaging.co.za/
Retail partners: https://www.instagram.com/roelandliquors/ https://www.woodstockliquors.co.za/ https://barkeeper.co.za/ Norman Goodfellows
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Marius Botha is the owner and brewer at Hazeldean Brewing Co. based on Hazeldean Valley farm in Pretoria east. Hazeldean Valley is a 100 hectare estate which offers mountain biking, trail running and a weekend market. http://www.hazeldeanvalley.co.za/
Marius talks to Holger Meier about realising his dream to building his own brewery and he shares how he managed to survive for the last 8 years, since giving up his corporate gig as engineer. He talks about the value of contract brewing for startups and they discuss the importance of (farmers) markets as incubators for new businesses in South Africa.
Besides his core range, Marius also has a barrel program, where he experiments with lambics and other sour and barrel aged beers.
Hazeldean beers are available online or at Liquor City Groenkloof and on tap at Capital Craft in Pretoria.
Metal Tank Industries supplied the brewing equipment and Bevan from DraughtCraft is his go to supplier for dispensing equipment. Marius relied on Brewhogs Micro-Brewery, OC Brewery and Draymans Brewery & Distillery to contract brew his beer for the last 7-8 years and Africa Hops supply the speciality hops for dry hopping his lambics. You can listen to this conversation on YouTube or on your favourite podcasting app.
Marius is one of only a few brewers in South Africa who has a barrel program. All beers are available online https://www.hazeldeanbrewing.co.za/yaybeer/ or visit him on weekends at the Cowhouse Market. https://www.cowhouse.co.za/
www.hazeldeanbrewing.co.za
Contract brewers:
https://www.brewhogs.co.za/ https://www.ocbrewery.co.za/ https://draymans.com/
Suppliers:
https://metaltank.com/ https://draughtcraft.co.za/ https://africahops.co.za/
Retail partners:
https://www.capitalcraft.co.za/ Liquor City Groenkloof
We are joined by William Yell, owner of Featherstone Brewery and Entrepid Brewing in Makhanda or Grahamstown.
The small town of Grahamstown has a vibrant mix of culture and history and it once acted as the frontier between the British Cape Colony and Xhosa territories. Grahamastown is situated about 110km northeast of Port Elizabeth and is home to Rhodes University and a number of excellent schools such as St Andrews and Kingswood College. The National Arts Festival which takes place in June/July attracts some 50000 every year.
The brewery is named after Featherstone Kloof a beautiful ravine just outside Grahamstown.
William is looking forward to welcoming beer people to his beer garden which will be closer to the main national road, soon.
https://featherstonebrewery.co.za/
Breweries of the Eastern Cape: Rhodes Brewery, Sneeuberg Brewery - Nieu-Bethesda, Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery, St Francis Brewing Company, Dockside Brewery, Richmond Hill Brewing Co, Bridge Street Brewery, Featherstone Brewery, The little Brewery on the River, Hogsback Brewing Company, Table 58 Brewing and Emerald Vale Brewery
Suppliers and partners: https://featherstonebrewery.co.za/kentoncraftbeer/ https://richmondhillbrewing.com/ https://thebrewhouse.co.za/ https://www.bevplus.com/ https://www.southafricanhopfarms.com/ https://beerguevara.com/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
It is very exciting to talk to a new member of the beer community. Thea-Lize Moolman, started importing Skinny Lager, a low carb, low calorie and gluten free beer, to South Africa just before the liquor lockdowns hit our industry. Please welcome Thea-Lize to the show.
Skinny Lager is available at a number of outlets already: https://skinnylager.co.za/stockists/
https://skinnylager.co.za/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
BeerWorld is a Podcast for Beer people in South Africa.
SMACK! Republic opened its doors in 2013 as part of the Arts on Main market, which is inside Joburg’s urban neighbourhood, the Maboneng Precinct. Todays guest, Carne Reed is the new owner of this popular brewery.
https://smackrepublic.com/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
The 5th Fools and Fans took place in Greyton over the weekend. Top Independent Breweries as well as brewers from seven home-brewing clubs from around the country converged on the little touristy village over the weekend of 1st & 2nd April 2022. Trevor Gerntholtz, who started the festival 6 years ago joins us in this episode. Enjoy!
https://foolsandfans.co.za/
Here is a link to our previous conversation with Trevor Gerntholtz: https://beerworld.co.za/trevor-gerntholtz-the-old-potters-inn-brewery/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Holger Meier is joined by Lorraine Immelman to talk about The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards which she founded in 1997.
The competition was established to offer South African producers the opportunity of having their wines adjudicated locally by a highly experienced and respected panel of professionals from around the globe. Now, in its 24th year, the competition remains unique in South Africa, in that all judges are hand-picked wine experts, representing all seven continents.
https://maiwsa.co.za/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-immelman-39994691/ https://www.drinksworld.co.za/cape-brandy-charles-withington/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Danie Odendaal is a passionate brewer and member of the beer community in South Africa. After 21 years at SAB, Danie could no longer withstand the call to do his own thing. So in 2018 Danie started Bearded Brew. Bearded Brew can help brewers with problem solving, choosing the correct brewery for their application, procedures and training and recipe development.
In this episode we talk about his journey and the work in the craft brewing industry. We have to talk about clean glasses, hop tours and the Yeti Project.
Dear Craft Brewer, give the consumer a reason to choose YOUR beer! - Danie Odendaal
https://www.beardedbrew.co.za/ https://www.instagram.com/yetiundergroundmovement_/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela joins Holger Meier in this episode and they talk about Apiwe’s journey, her first exposure to the craft beer industry, the challenges of starting a brewery in South Africa and the effects of the liquor lockdown on her businesses. Apiwe has a passion for uplifting and helping others, and she shares her future plans with us.
Connect with her on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apiwe-nxusani-mawela-741bbb2b
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
John Morrow, formerly from Notties Brewery, talks to Holger on a call from the west coast of Ireland. John moved about a year ago and share his journey with us.
Very nice to catch up with John in this Episode.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-philip-james-morrow-600799b3/ https://www.mescanbrewery.com/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link where you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content: http://eepurl.com/hyscef
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Roger Jorgensen, Craft Spirit Pioneer, joins Holger Meier in this episode. Holger first visited Roger on his wine farm in Wellington around 2011. They discuss the early days of craft distilling in South Africa from potstill brandy to the rise of craft gin. His first brand was Savingnac, combining: SA, vine and Cognac.
"Somewhere Science has to meet art to become craft."
Roger is a passionate farmer and distiller and finds joy in seeing other people succeed. Roger became sought after as a consultant and eventually Roger had to choose between consulting and producing his own brands. In the end he also had to choose between South Africa and Kenya.
https://www.instagram.com/rogjorgensen/ https://www.proceragin.com/
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https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Today Holger Meier is joined by Kavir Kissun, owner of Global Beer Merchant. They discuss Kavir’s business journey and his interest in beer. Kavir has a financial background and was first exposed to the beer business when he worked for SAB a few years ago. Kavir’s philosophy is that if he starts his own business, it must be in an industry that he enjoys! And I am very excited to hear that Kavir believes there is a market for good global beers in south africa.
https://www.gbmafrica.co.za/
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Today Holger Meier is joined by Brad Dinner. Brad manages the Rebel Brewery just outside Lusaka in Zambia. They discuss the excitement of starting craft brewing in a new market. Very exciting times!
https://www.facebook.com/TheBreweryatBonanza https://cielaresort.com
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https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Today Holger Meier is joined by food scientist and entrepreneur, Wessel Pieterse, owner of Tastelab in Cape Town. He shares the key learnings from launching his first product, Secco Drink Infusion, which is now exported to more than 18 countries.
https://tastelab.co.za/secco/
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https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Today I am joined by Warren Goslett, Global Travel Retail Director at Marussia Beverages. Warren works out of Austria for the Schlumberger Wein-und Sektkellerei Group brands. We discuss Warrens business journey, and he gives us some valuable insights into the travel retail business.
saffasabroad #beverageindustry #drinksworld https://marussiabeverages.com/
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Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
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Today Holger Meier is joined by Greg Holtman, CEO of Flare Beverages - one of the oldest beer importers in South Africa. They discuss Greg’s business journey, his insights into the World of Beer, and more. Greg started importing Windhoek beer in 1987 and worked with the Nambrew brands for more than 20 years before they ended up with Brandhouse. Greg now imports Erdinger, Paulaner, Bitburg and Royal Dutch beers. Listen to this interesting part of SA beer history. Don’t miss this episode!
http://www.flarebev.co.za/
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SXOLLIE was founded by Laura and Karol, in sunny South Africa way back in 2014. The simple idea they had was to make single varietal ciders from the apples we all already know and love - Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Cripps Pink or the Pink Lady.
In 2017 they decided to move their head office to the UK. We catch up with Laura Clacey to see how this has worked out for them.
We compare working in the UK vs South Africa.
https://sxollie.com/ https://beveragepeople.co.za/catalogue/sxollie-cider-golden-delicious/
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/john-murray-international-cider-maker/
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In a recent interview with Johannes le Roux, founder of Brannas Draught, he told us that Brannas was sold to the owners of their biggest outlet, The Green.
About seven years ago, Dax Menday, together with Dimitri Seretis started The Green at the Benoni Country Club. The Green was the First True Craft Bar on the East Rand.
Not only is Brannas a good seller at The Green, it is also a great fit for the live events business, The Green Live, which the partners started together with Ettiene Erasmus.
The partners recently launched an online platform notkak.co.za, to deliver their latest product, Pinch hard seltzer, to customers on the east rand.
https://brannas.co.za https://www.thegreen.co.za https://greenlive.co.za https://notkak.co.za
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Do you want to know what it is like to work as a distiller in London?
Hendre' Barnard has played a massive role in the distilling industry in South Africa. For the last 7 years as marketing and training manager for Distillique, Hendré has helped train nearly 6000 people locally and internationally and he probably made the biggest contribution to creating a culture of Craft Distilling in South Africa.
Hendré now works as Production Manager at Jim and Tonic in London. In this episode Hendré shares his journey with us and helps us understand how the UK market looks like.
Here is a link to the previous interview with Hendre': https://www.drinksworld.co.za/hendre-barnard-distillique/
Links: https://www.instagram.com/hendrebarnard2021/ https://www.jimandtonic.com/ https://mercatometropolitano.com/
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Since we last spoke to Johannes le Roux, founder of the alcohol-free drinks company, The Duchess, it has received investment from Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) as well as AB InBev’s corporate venture capital arm ZX Ventures.
During this time The Duchess also expanded its range to include alcohol-free wine spritzers.
The Duchess is now available in seven countries including South Africa, The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and the UK.
In this episode Johannes shares how he ended up in New York pitching his business to ABInBev board, including the all powerful Chairman, Carlos Brito.
Links: https://drinktheduchess.com
https://www.zx-ventures.com https://dopedrinks.co https://liquiddeath.com
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When I met our guest in 2018, he had just left his position at Nampak Glass to take over the newly formed Bruni Erben.
Erben Packaging has now been rebranded to Berlin Packaging South Africa and is now part of the World's Largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier, Berlin Packaging.
When I had my own drinks brands 10 -15 years ago it was very hard to make the standard Consol bottles stand out on the shelves. The craft gin revolution has brought many changes with it. To tell us more I have invited Andre Barnard to the show.
www.linkedin.com/company/berlin-packaging-south-africa BerlinPackaging.co.za
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When I met today's guest in 2016, he was on a flight from Tanzania to Cape Town. We started chatting about craft beer and The Beer Book. Little did I know that he was ready to give up his corporate job with SAB in Tanzania to start something in the craft beer industry. Three years later TinyKeg Canning was born to offer mobile canning to craft brewers in the Western Cape.
https://tinykeg.com
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Emil den Dulk Jnr, the founder of Liquidity a specialist importer and marketer of high-quality liquor products. Emil is a well known wine and spirits aficionado, who has made it his mission to bring some of the world finest and rarest spirits to South Africa.
Emil tells us how he discovered his passion for super premium spirits while working as a barkeeper in London and how he turned this into a business in South Africa. His motto is: drink less but drink better.
Emil has introduced South Africans to world class spirits such as Patreon Tequila, Pappy Van Winkle, Compass Box, Germana Cachaca, world class sipping rums and mezcals.
www.liquidity.co.za
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Today's guest is Monica du Preez, a veteran in the beverage industry. Monica runs Qualican Contract Canning and Packing, an automated beverage canning facility in Krugersdorp in Gauteng.
Monica explains that there are many canning facilities in SA, what makes Qualican so unique is that it has an inline sleeving facility. That means the cans are filled and sealed and then washed before they go to the sleever. Other canning facilities can also fill sleeved cans but they are often damaged during the canning process. At Qualican the packaged can is spotless because they are sleeved right at the end of the packing process.
A minimum print run of a normal printed can is 250 000 cans or 10000 cases at Qualican can you can probably start with about a 1000 cases.
Qualican can can anything from 200ml to 500ml cans.
Monica went into some detail explaining the steps in getting a new product packaged and ready to go to market. She can even assist in getting the correct licences for liquor products.
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link were you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
DrinksWorld is a powerful network for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
Schoonspruit Distillers was started by Ernst Henning in 1991, initially to make spirits for his entry level Totpak range, but today they manufacture some unique craft products. In this episode the founders son, JW Henning talks to us about they range of craft spirits.
They produce a grain whiskey from maize grown on the farm and they also have a 10 hectares vineyard which allows them to make wine and brandy from their own grapes.
But by far the most exciting addition to their business is the distilling of agave spirits which they distill from agave plants grown sustainably in the Graaff-Reinet area.
Links: https://totpak.co.za/schoonspruit-distillery/
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link were you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
In this episode we speak to Graham and Alan Muir from Independent Liquors in Kaya Sands. Independent Liquor SA started importing fun shooters from the Uk in 2004, in 2007 when Mike Erceg, the owner of the NZ based Independent Liquors died, the Muir’s started manufacturing and packing the products locally with a machine purpose built by Handi-Pak. Graham and Alan share some valuable lessons from their successful business. Graham’s top tip is: Do it yourself! Biggest challenge: cash flow. Growth is expensive! Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link were you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld https://www.drinksworld.co.za/ Find out more about Independent Liquor SA at https://independentliquor.co.za/ and reach out to them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/independentliquorsa Independent Liquor NZ is a great Kiwi success story and now forms part of Asahi Beverages https://www.asahibeverages.co.nz Other links: Handi-Pak serves the dairy and food industries with a wide range of liquid packaging solution https://www.handi-pak.co.za https://halewood.co.za/ https://totpak.co.za/
15 kms east of Rustenburg, you’ll find the small German community of Kroondal.
In this podcast episode we talk to Hattie Albers, who provides the one thing that every German village needs: good food and good beer to be enjoyed in a beautiful beer garden.
Here is a video of the brewery: https://youtu.be/RclsK-pViE0
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DrinksWorld is a powerful community for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
https://www.facebook.com/BuffelsBrew https://www.facebook.com/kennygeesrestaurant
Other breweries in the area: https://www.brauhaus.co.za/ https://www.jomp.co.za/
Suppliers of the Spadoni brewhouse: https://viglietti-le.co.za/equipment/
Susanne Schneider, a German-born hospitality veteran with Michelin-star experience, first met the self-starting young South African Ashlin Bantom in 2015, when he applied for an assistant position at her western Cape restaurant, Springfield Easts. The Schneider's popular restaurant was one of gin pioneer, Lorna Scott's, first outlets, where busloads of German tourists enjoyed the popular Inverroche craft gin with their meals.
What next? The lockdown forced the unlikely partners to team up and find a new way to make a living. The result Flower Power, a uniquely South African Vermouth.
While Susanne focuses on establishing a European market for Flower Power Vermouth, Ashlin is hard at work convincing local gin lovers to try his popular vermouth and tonic, or V+T as he calls it. Vermouth mixed with local craft tonic Barker & Quinn.
Vermouth is a fortified and aromatised wine, basically, wine spiked with brandy and then infused with herbs and spices and sweetened.
Find out more about the Fynbos Revolution at: https://fynbos-revolution.co.za/
Fynbos Revolution's Flower Power and Don Zero are available from Sued Africa Genuss at https://suedafrika-genuss.de/ a business started by Susanne and her best friend Yvonne Bittmann-Steyn. Here is a link to our podcast interview with Yvonne: https://www.drinksworld.co.za/yvonne-bittmann-steyn-distributor-of-south-african-craft-gin-in-germany/
You may also like the interview with craft gin pioneer and Inverroche Gin founder, Lorna Scott: https://www.drinksworld.co.za/lorna-scott-inverroche-distillery/ and the interview with the Barker and Quin team makers of Finest Tonic Water: https://www.drinksworld.co.za/hanneli-van-der-merwe-chris-wium/
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Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld
https://www.drinksworld.co.za/
In this episode we chat to Shaun Gatonby, managing director of Spar Engage, sales and merchandising agents for the Spar private label business. Before starting Spar Engage, Shaun worked for the Imana Foods' owned sales and merchandising company, Process Sales.
Shaun takes time to explain the intricacies of the Spar private label business which was started by Bruce Hughes and the team at Monteagle and is now called Spar Encore. Spar Encore looks after the supply chain of the Spar private label products for the retailers.
Spar Engage has three divisions, they have a team that looks after retailers, a team that looks after Tops and the newest division, Fresh, which will look after butchery, bakery, produce, food solutions and deli.
As promised Charles Withington is back and this time we are talking about Cape Brandy. After a 5 year effort by the Cape Brandy Distillers Guild, The term “Cape Brandy” may now be applied to labelling as the official descriptor.
To be classified as a Cape Brandy, a brandy must be:
- Produced from grapes grown in the Cape Wine Regions of South Africa
- 100% Double Pot Still Distilled
- Minimum of 38% alcohol by volume
- Aged in Oak casks of less than 340 litres for a minimum of three years
- Quality certified by an independent body
For more information about Cape Brandy visit http://capebrandy.org/ and here is a link to Charles Withington's Voorkamer brandy: https://www.withington.co.za/voorkamer-brandy/
You may also be interested in listening to the previous interview with Charles Withington which you will find here: https://www.drinksworld.co.za/charles-withington-the-darling-wine-shop/
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Peter de Villiers landed his first job at Gilbeys, the local arm of one of the worlds leading liquor company's, International Distillers & Vintners. He first worked in the stats department and later got his dream job managing brands like Coco Rico or Malibu as it is known today.
Peter has many years experience running his own liquor company and in this interview he shares many valuable lessons with us.
Peter pioneered the popular MOJO Jam Jar and has developed other popular brands like Black Widow Vodka and Vamanos.
You can connect with the Peter and the MOJO team on social media at https://www.facebook.com/MOJOrsa
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Welcome to a new episode of DrinksWorld, where we celebrate and connect entrepreneurs in the beverage industry in South Africa.
Rob Heyns is back for this episode. It is always fun to chat to Rob because his approach to business so different, he sees opportunities that no one else sees and then come up with really amazing concepts and products.
This is not a stock standard bottle store, this is about enticing customers to try different things. There is a big gifting element, so the packaging is important, making it look pretty, making the unboxing an experience, its the gift you buy for yourself. - Rob Heyns Rob, together with Nzeka Biyela, launched the League of Beers way back in 2012 with the goal of getting South Africa drinking better beer. Fast forward many years and thousands of beers later, and they’ve joined forces yet again (along with a few mates) to take a delicious dive into the best spirits the country has to offer. Visit the new site at https://thebeverageclub.co.za/
Curation is a monstrous challenge, you are working passionate producers, when you are working with craft producers, it is about product first, it is not necessary about having the most predictable operational processes. It is like herding cats, but it is worth it, because you get really cool curations and mixes for the end consumer. With their experience the team has become the go to Direct-to-consumer, Gifting and Curation consultants for local and international clients.
Links: https://thebeverageclub.co.za/products/gin-mixed-box https://www.yuppiechef.com/jimmy-public.htm?id=54482&name=Jimmy-Public-Classic-Gin-750ml https://www.yuppiechef.com/mood.htm?id=51295&name=Mood-12-Mini-Gins-Collection-Box https://www.ngf.co.za/products/ngf-gin-advent-24ml
With all the challenges of 2020 and 2021 we talk to a number of beer importers in South Africa to find out what beers are available to the trade.
One of my contacts who is active on the continent says there is a massive shortage of cans, the price of barley is up 30% and shipping is up 90%. How do importers deal with that scenario. Some, certainly have already stopped importing... Join me as we chat to our community members.
Flare Beverages imports Erdinger, Paulaner, Bitburger and Royal Dutch. The trade can contact them on 021 905 8163 or admin@flarebev.co.za
Belgsa Trading imports La Trappe, Palm, Rodenbach, Cornet and local belgian ale De Poes. info@belgsatrading.co.za
Beverage People imports the iconic Pilsner Urquell, the Fuller's range as well as BrewDog. They have just launched the local Sxollie Cider in a can. The Fullers and Brew Dog range are no longer available. order@beveragepeople.co.za
The Belgian Beer Company imports Duvel, Maredsous, Liefmans, La Chouffe, De Koninck, Kwak, Tripel Karmeliet, Vedett and they have just launched the Liefmans Fruitesse 0.0 Alcohol Free. The trade can contact them on 021 552 8656 or info@belgianbeercompany.co.za
Nicholson Smith imports the and Union range from Germany. The trade can contact them on 011 496 2947 or jason@nicholsonsmith.co.za
Global Beer Merchants imports the original Hofbräu München beers. Contact 082 061 7843 beers@globalbeermerchant.co.za
Beverage Emporium imports Super Bock. 087 057 5450 or info@thebevemp.co.za
The Cape Brewing Co imports a Pale Ale in a can as well as their Rekorderlig Cider from Sweden. The trade can contact them 021 863 2270 or on info@capebrewing.co.za
Singha is available, but it is imported by a Thai restaurant chain for their own outlets.
Gerstel and Eichbaum are currently out of stock The Faxe range as well as Carlsberg from Denmark is no longer imported
In Heineken's most significant acquisition since 2018, the worlds second largest brewer offers to buy South African Distell and Namibian Breweries.
Charles Witingthon, the curator of the "Darling Brand" talks to us about his career with some of the top estates in the South African wine industry, about his experiences introducing South African wines to the export markets and about Darling where he now owns the popular Darling Wine Shop.
We chat about the efficient railways in days gone by. Imagine shipping Oysters from Knysna or 100 cases of wine on todays railway.
Charles teaches us about voorkamer, voorstoep and kakamakranka.
A delightful episode
A Podcast with Holger Meier
Hylton Smith was part of the team that first introduced Windhoek beers to the Botswana market, he then moved to Durban and joined Ian and Peter Hoyer at Team Liquor Distributors to head up sales of Windhoek beers. Hylton recalls only selling a truckload of Windhoek in their first year, but only a short four years later they sold an interlink of Windhoek beers per day during the peak season.
Then in 2004, thinking that they were well on their way to becoming a real player in the liquor industry, Namibian Breweries announced the formation of Brandhouse, a joint venture with Heineken and Diageo.
Hylton opted not to become part of the new corporation and joined former Windhoek colleagues Andre Homann and Craig MacKenzie in selling Bavaria beers.
Andre Homann and a few former Windhoek guys then made an offer to purchase NMK Schulz from Norbert Schulz. NMK had the agency for Stella Artois, a brand which the beer guys hoped they could grow into a significant player in the local market.
Hylton, now a shareholder, continued working at Team Liquor Distributors.
When Ray Edwards started Tops at Spar the market started to change and in order to survive, distributors had to be able to service national chain stores.
In 2016 Hylton took on new financial partners, with funds to open branches nationally they could now service national chains such as Pick n Pay.
In 2018 Hylton was approached by Super Bock to distribute their beer in South Africa. At the time Super Bock was only available at the Liquor City stores. The brand was on a good growth trajectory, claiming to sell 15000 containers a year in Angola at the time.
Super Bock is the leading beer brand in Portugal with a market share of more than 50% The Super Bock Group is a privately held company founded in 1890 based in Porto, Portugal.
Hylton continues by sharing some interesting stories about his travels to Porto, their strategy with the brand and his journey so far. Well worth a listen!
A Podcast with Holger Meier
https://thebevemp.co.za/
Today’s Guest is Jason Neal, owner of the Gauteng-based drinks distributor, Nicholson Smith, and creator of award-winning brands like Pandora’s Box wine range. Jason “grew” up in the liquor industry following in his father’s footsteps, who was Mr Ballantines Whiskey at Hiram Walker and later successfully start exporting SAB beers during the Meyer Kahn era.
Jason started working at The Cellars of Hyde Park when he was only 16 years old, Jason started working at The Cellars of Hyde Park when he was only 16 years old, thereafter he cut his entrepreneurial teeth with a Sorghum Breweries in Diepsloot.
After selling the brewery, Jason joined Boetie Rietoff at Somerset Wines and then he helped Italian billionaire, Count Riccardo Agusta, owner of Grand Provance, launch La Vie De Luc Mineral Water which is now the No 1 on consumption water in South Africa.
Nicholson Smith was started in 1997 to import Bowman’s whisky from the USA. Jason joined the company in 2005. After buying out the founding partners, Jason has been operating the business on his own since 2009. Nicholson Smith is now a complete drinks business, selling what the market demands.
https://www.nicholsonsmith.co.za/
Jason Neal is also the creator of the very successful Pandora’s Box wine range with the help of James Mckenzie, owner at Nabygelegen Private Cellar.
https://www.nicholsonsmith.co.za/wines/itemlist/category/51-pandora-s-box
In 2016 Reinhardt Paulsen discovered gin and his restaurant, Carbon Bistro, soon became the top gin bar in the Capital. After exiting the bistro, Reinhardt started TheGinGuy.co.za an online gin and speciality spirits site, which lists about 180 gins. The most exciting recent addition is Procera gin which is made by Roger Jorgenson in Kenya.
Reinhardt not only supplies gin fanatics, but he also offers a delivery service to other liquor retailers.
In this episode, we learn more about Reinhardt's latest project, TheGinGuy.com. With this new site, he will be able to ship South African gins all over the world.
We reconnect with Simone Musgrave, innovative craft gin pioneer, at the recent launch of the Jasmine Jagger limited edition Musgrave 11 event at Hillcrest Tops. In this episode Simone shares how this colab came about and how she is reviving her brand which like most premium products has been badly affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Links: Find a link to our previous interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AcXeHKeABqq6695siQdtqhttps://musgravespirits.comhttps://jasminejagger.comHillcrest Tops
In this episode, Rob Heyns shares the news that they have bought League of Beers, the popular craft beer subscription business, back from Yuppiechef.com.
In this episode, our guest is Craft Gin's favourite son, Glenn Bryant, co-owner of the Six Dog Distillery. Glenn shares their 5+ year journey with us. I have watched Glenn and his team closely over the last 5 years and love the way that these industry newcomers have focused on building relationships rather than rushing into outsourcing sales and distribution to third parties. A very good lesson for new brand owners.
From sixdogs.co.za to sixdogs.comGlenn has always wanted to create a product that is good enough to become a global brand. Six Dogs is already exported to 23 markets. During the liquor lockdown in South Africa, Glenn realised just how vulnerable and exposed they are to the local market, and we are very excited to hear that Six Dogs has opened a European office in the Netherlands. Following the example of the many "European Swallows", Glenn plans to work in the Netherlands during the European summers and in Cape Town during the South African summer. We wish Glenn and the Six Dogs team all the best in this exciting new venture and trust that their work will also benefit the South African craft industry as a whole. This podcast is available on your favourite podcast app https://pod.link/drinksbiz or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04XKk_DwOg2sxsQ9XZUBGQ Visitors are welcome but by appointment only. Reach out to them here: https://sixdogs.com/contact/ A visit to the distillery may just change your opinion of craft gin. Directions: https://g.page/sixdogsdistillery Listen to the interview with Yvonne Bittmann-Steyn, distributor of South African craft gin in Germany: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kU6NrZENEDtVLvTzYvVQs
You can find more information about Luc Vannevel, the Belgian importer mentioned in the episode at https://www.elvama.be.
The Six Dogs Gin collection includes: Six Dogs Karoo Gin, Six Dogs Blue Gin, Six Dogs Pinotage Stained Gin and Six Dogs Honey Lime Gin with plans to launch a few more. Gerrit Visser, is heading up the operation in Europe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrit-visser-57606b46
Follow the Six Dogs journey: https://www.facebook.com/sixdogsdistilleryhttps://www.instagram.com/sixdogsdistillery/
Carl Grossmann from Brackenhill Distillery in Waterfall, KwaZulu-Natal is our guest in this episode. I first met Carl when he was working on a project to import Malawi Gin. Carl fell in love with Malawi (Gin) when he was on an overland trip through that beautiful country. Malawi Gin is owned by a big conglomerate that did not want to grant exclusive distribution rights to anyone, so Carl moved on and now owns his own distillery.
Carl uses ancient heritage grain varieties as a basis for their gin, vodka and whiskey. His packaging, logos and labels also reflect his local roots. Umzuzwane, or lemon bush, a small, fragrant plant gives the gin a local flavour.
The distillery offers a very impressive gin making experience and also sells their products directly to the public. The distillery was recently featured on Inside Africa on CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/videos/tv/2021/03/11/inside-africa-craft-alcohol-beer-liquor-spc.cnn
https://www.brackenhillcraft.co.za/
Welcome to Drinksworld, a beverage industry podcast. Our guest is Elzette Marais owner and distiller of Majamela Distilleries in Polokwane. Polokwane is about 2 hours drive north of Tswane and about 2 hours drive from the Zimbabwe border. Polokwane is a thriving city that services the Limpopo province. Neels Marais started home distilling about 25 years ago. Recently his daughter Elzette caught the distilling bug and joined him in the little venture. Today Majemela is a fully licensed commercial distillery. The surrounding farmlands are very fertile and the father and daughter team distill whatever seasonal fruit they can get their hands on. Commercially they produce a range of gins as well as an alcoholic shake. This dairy-based ready-to-drink product is unique and definitely one of a kind in South Africa. Majamela is currently looking for distribution partners across South Africa. You can find more information at: https://www.facebook.com/flockingGin/https://www.facebook.com/MajamelaShakes/
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier Today's guest is Ryan Williams the founder of Gydo.app. Gydo is a app the enables you to buy a friend a beer at his favourite brewery or winery.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Holger visits the Mhoba Rum Distillery on the Greaves Family Farm near Malelane Mhoba is a farm to bottle, hand-made sugarcane rum made on the Greaves Family Farm near Malelane in the Lowveld.
After trying to market and promote Mhoba in South Africa, the bulk of the Mhoba Rum is now exported to France. La Maison du Whisky, Mhoba’s partner is also the sole distributor of major whisky brands such as The Dalmore, Jura, Compass Box and Nikka.
Listen to my podcast interview with Robert Greaves on Pocket Casts or your favourite Podcasting App. We talk about authentic rum and ponder about ways in which we could help retailers in South Africa sell more rum. Robert has a very interesting story and is a mine of knowledge. Well worth a listen.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Holger visits Tanya Cruse at her new concept store, Gin & Co in the Casterbridge Centre in White River. Gin & Co is the home of Dollie Gin and Rottcher Winery. Gin & Co offers gin tastings as well as retail sales of local craft gin and rums.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Dario Scilipoti, the founder of Bluebird Coffee Roastery is our guest today.
Bluebird Coffee Roastery was awarded the coveted Best New Roastery award at the prestigious FNB Coffee Magazine gala event recently.
Dario talks about his journey and explains the technical aspects of roasting coffee. Coffee supply chain is very complicated and not very transparent. Dario hopes to change this.
The way that coffee is being traded around the world is really unsustainable. Coffee is often traded at below the cost price. The commodity price of coffee has actually decrease over the last 20 years.
As a roaster, Dario wants to support as supply chain that is sustainable.
Dario explains that the big brands are masters of consistency whereas the specialy brands are masters at offering a flavour experiences.
Dario explains: Third wave coffee - connecting the consumer directly with the coffee Gourmet Coffee - marketing term Specialty Coffee - rated at more 80 by Q-raters
Bluebird Coffe is available at: Hillcrest Kwikspar Salt Rock Coffee company
Rob Heyns is back, and explains to us how he is helping retailers find interesting solutions for their problems. We talk about getting funding and raising capital. Rob shares his vision about creating a canning "ecosystem" for his latest business, the TinyKeg mobile canning business. Variety at a good price rather than quantity at a good price, is the motto! Watch Building A Brand: https://youtu.be/mxgOY2Ms-YI
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Podcasting time with John M Murray. John's long career in cider making has taken him to 83 countries around the world. John worked for HP Bulmer, once the world largest cider maker, for forty years.
In the 1980's John opened a cider mill in Elgin and in the late 1990's he was part of the team that opened the Bulmer SA cider plant in Centurion (situated next to the old Bavaria Brau brewery).
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Sean Wakeford one of Holger's oldest industry friends is a guest in this episode. We take a walk down memory lane, from the days at the Crossways Hotel to Bierfassl were he has just celebrated his 20th year anniversary.
Stubbornly unique, makes it stand out and difficult to copy and difficult to compete. There must be a reason for people to visit your outlet. What makes your outlet unique. Next time you visit the Bierfassl ask for an Eisbein, a Erdinger Weissbier and a Kleiner Keiler or a merry mountain goat.
Sean is always willing to try new ideas and believes in offering his customers something that they can treat themselves with.
Sean reminded me our trip the Wartburger Hof and he tells me that I insisted that he had to Wartburg before he was qualified to open the Bierfasl.
Both Sean and Holger turn 50 years old this year and are now official industry veterans.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Our guest Alwyn Liebenberg studied transport economics at University and then worked in the distribution department of SAB Polokwane.
Alwyn has a passion for port and wines. He has made many trips to Portugal and has worked at numerous distillers and wine businesses.
Alwyn believes blending is the key to making great products and believes he learned this valuable lesson from the Portugese. Alwyn takes us on adventure of starting a bootstrapping wine and gin adventure.
Alwyn sees himself as the Uber of winemaking. Alwayn shares with us how he started a a wine and gin business in the new “Uber” economy. He obviously refers to the new Sharing Economy which is the term used for the new economy where you don't own a farm, a warehouse a distillery.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor http://lieben.wine/
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
We caught up with Jan-Nico Coetzee, KwaZulu-Natal's favourite wine ou, before his move back to the Cape. We talk wine, craft beer and gin with Jan-Nico. Jan-Nico proudly tells us about the progress the local Kzn wine farms are making.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
From South Sudan to Cambodia, our guest, Louis Peters, loves working with beer sales teams. Louis started his beer career as a SAB sales rep east of Pretoria, but soon was appointed to his dream and was responsible for training sales teams for SAB all over Africa. From Tanzania to war-torn South Sudan, and selling traditional beer in Botswana and Kwa-Zulu Natal, Louis is a hands on sales expert and adventurer who even sold wine in Ethiopia. Another call from the SAB old boys club and Louis was off to South East Asia, to help a 5 million hectolitre-family brewery in Cambodia.
Not only for the Beverage Industry Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Dirk Prinsloo is the distiller of Floating Dutchman Rum. Floating Dutchman Rum is distilled at Frankenstill Distillery based at Triggerfish Brewing in Somerset West. Dirk explains, in detail, how he distills his rum using locally sourced ingredients and then rests the rum in locally sourced red wine barrels.
Rum is a very interesting spirit, but it is still a very young spirit in South Africa, so look out for some exciting stuff in the next few years.
Someone needs to start a TIKI Bar.
Dirk always tries to have some interesting Floating Dutchman cocktails on tap at the Triggerfish Taproom.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Listen to Tony da Costa owner of Liquor City Claremont, one of my favourite speciality liquor stores in South Africa. Tony does so much of what we stand for and teach at DrinksBiz.
Tony da Costa opened his little Liquor City Claremont and an OK store only 7 years ago. From the beginning Tony focused on service and on being different. Tony’s team has a tremendous amount of product knowledge and always try use their knowledge to help and up-sell their customers. From the start Tony did not want a typical Liquor Store to compete with Chain Stores, he wanted something different. When asked if anyone can copy this concept, Tony thinks he is lucky to be in a good area, but everyone can make a success by being different and supporting smaller brands. BUT it is not easy. It is a FULL TIME business placing orders and find new brands. The bottle store does 2.5 times the turnover of a supermarket. Tony has 3 people who are employed to place the 300 - 400 orders every week. 40% of Tony’s turnover is from wine.
Tips for a good wine business: Keep lots of stock!
Tony has a whisky club, with about 100 members, that meets once a month. Where a brand ambassadors present products. A Gin club is next on the cards.
Beer about 43% is craft and import and the rest Heineken and SAB in Rand value. He does promote the smaller brands by giving less exposure and space to them.
Liquor City Claremont is a destinations store and customers travel from all over to visit the store. People will travel if you offer good service and a good selection. Tony spends a lot of time in the store himself.
Tony meets with his team once a week to discuss the business and train them about new products.
Tony has noticed that all the chains are reducing their craft beer selection so he is increasing his range of local craft and imported beer. Canned Craft beer is working very well. Rob Heyns has started a mobile canning operation, Tiny Keg, that is supplying many exciting new beers in cans.
Tony has a massive selection of 500 whiskies. Tony makes sure his knowledge of whisky is better than other retailers.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Today's guest is craft gin pioneer, Simon von Witt, who started making liqueurs after enjoying aperitifs in Italy. His first taste of Inverroche Gin inspired him to start experimenting with Gin. Simon founded the Woodstock Gin Co which he sold to E Snell & Co and he is now working on a range of new brands for Distillers Union, his new distillery.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Interesting conversation with Bryce Kennard, the founder of Copper Republic Distilling Co. Bryce a former pub owner who started his beverage career exporting cheap spirits into Africa has made a complete turnaround now makes super-premium spirits with awesome packaging.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier Unofficial ambassador of Brazil's national cocktail, Ludgero Da Cruz, master salesman and storyteller, joins us in this episode of the DrinksBiz Podcast. Ludgero is a veteran of the Beverage Industry and one of the founders of Covert Distributions, importers of Arbikie Distillery's range, Cachaça da Tulha and Richland Rum.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier Kasper Hagedorn, one of the founders of Knut Hansen Dry Gin, joins us on this episode of the DrinksBiz Podcast, from Munich. Kasper shares his journey of starting a world class gin brand in Germany in the beautiful stoneware bottle with the picture of the famous Hamburg sailor. Knut Hansen is now available in more than 15 countries, including South Africa.
Kasper tells us that they were able to outsource most parts of the business. Just last our last guest, Grant McMurray from Zululand Distilling Co, Kasper and Martin have just taken delivery of their brand new still from Arnold Holstein GmbH. The distillery will be in Lokstedt, Hamburg.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
Grant McMurray, the founder of Zululand Distillery, joins us in this show. Grant is a successful entrepreneur who started a distillery as a way to add value to his sugarcane crop. Grant talks to us about his essential oils business, SOIL and the challenges they have had launching Tapanga Rum.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier Philosophy of rum Whistling your own tune. Like all good stories this story starts sipping a poor rum.
South Africans had very little access to rum culture. It’s great to know that we now have 8 distilleries that focus on producing rum.
THE RULES FOR AFRICAN STYLE RUM The rum must be distilled, aged and matured in Africa, Only use equipment designed and manufactured by Africans, Distilled by a born and bred African master distiller, Distilled using only African sourced sugar cane and sugar cane byproducts, Distilled to no more than 170 proof, Matured in barrels that previously contained other African spirits.
Difficult to reach rum fanatics. Festivals at: Klein Kaap in Centurion Showmanagers lanseria
Rum finished in a Boplaas whisky barrel with Daniel Nel
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier Inacio de Gouveia manages Woodstock direct, a craft beer and gin wholesaler and Woodstock Liquors, a specialist liquor retailer in the heart of Woodstock, Cape Town. Inacio shares his journey from working in bars and restaurants in London and Cape Town, to working as a sales rep and eventually starting a distribution and retail business. Inacio is a great supporter of the craft industry.
In today's show we talk to Ntsiki Biyela. Ntsiki Biyela grew up in Mahlabathini, a small rural village in northern KwaZulu-Natal, not far from where I grew up on the edge of the Pongola River on the northern border of KwaZulu-Natal. Ntsiki was awarded an SAA scholarship to study at Stellenbosch University. Ntsiki shares her journey of studying at an Afrikaans university, to become the first black female wine maker in South Africa.
Is Mindful Drinking the “Next Big Thing”? Sean O’Connor the organiser of the Mindful Drinking Festival agrees with me. We both think the low and non alcoholic drinks category is something that retailers have to watch out for. Find out more about Sean and his event at https://www.mindfuldrinking.co.za/
In today's show we are joined by Yvonne Bittman-Steyn, the German importer of Inverroche Gin. Yvonne has been a supporter of Inverroche Gin since she first saw the product at the Wine Village in Hermanus. Yvonne's family business, Südafrika Genuss, has been importing Inverroche Gin since 2011. For more information about Südafrika Genuss visit: https://suedafrika-genuss.de/ and to find out more about Susanne Schneider and Springfontein Eats visit: http://www.springfontein.co.za/content/springfontein-eats
In today's show we are joined by Lorna Scott, founder of Inverroche Distillery. We talk to Lorna about her journey and about the news that Pernod Ricard has acquired a share in the business.
A Beverage Industry Podcast with Holger Meier
In this episode we meet the founders of Lohocla at The Landmark in Bryanston. These three young and dynamic entrepreneurs have been working to rid the world of hangovers since 2013. Holger gets a chance to taste the "LifeSaver".
Lohocla™ (alcohol spelt backwards) is the world's first premium anti-hangover shooter. Its best to consume Lohocla after the party/before you sleep for the best results in preventing hangover symptoms, but we know people forget, so it can also be drank in the morning and sometimes some serious people might need to drink both before they sleep and when they wake up.
Today's guest is Hendre' Barnard, Training and Marketing Manager at Distillique. https://www.facebook.com/hendre.barnard Southern African Craft Distilling Institute www.sacdi.co.za Distillique Beverages www.distillique.co.za
GET YOUR SHINE ON! In this Podcast we head West. And hidden deep inside an old abandoned Mine building we find The Moonshine Man, Mark Taverner.
Let's learn more about Moonshine. We visit Silver Creek Craft Distillery and talk Moonshine with the Moonshine Man, Mark Taverner, who studied at Moonshine University and named his Craft Distillery after the Silver Creek Mountain Band (with permission). Subscribe to our podcast holger.co.za/podcast
030 Jacqueline Grobler
In this podcast Jacqueline Grobler shares the story of how she ends up in the Gin and alcohol business with . The journey takes us from her backyard to a state of the art distillery in Johannesburg.
If you ever get the opportunity to visit Angel Heart in Linbro Park you must do so. Jax has an amazing set up and lots of passion for the industry. Thanks Jacqueline, you are always a great host!
Today we have Michael Olivier, South Africa's much loved wine and food commentator on the show. (https://www.michaelolivier.co.za) (https://www.instagram.com/manmetdiepan)
Episode NotesAndre van Heerden bought a farm to allow his wife to start a rose garden, which is now a successful farm, lodge, restaurant, distillery and farm stall.
Episode NotesJoão Fernandes De Jesus started working in Camperdown Bottles Store at the tender age of 12. And today João still works there but now there is a Superspar, a Tops and a shopping centre, N3 City. Listen to João's journey and his plans with N3 City.
Jose de Souza from Cool Products in Pinetown is our guest today. Jose tells us how he started a night club and ended up owning a liquor company.
Peter started working in the bottling and blending facility behind, what we today know as Liberty Liquor Argyle Road. Peter's grandfather was a director of E Snell & Co and his father, a charted accountant, owned Montana Cellars before it became Liberty Liquors. The Hoyers started importing and distributing Windhoek Beers in 1993. Peter is now semi-retired but looking forward to a new adventure in the liquor industry.
We continue our series on beverage entrepreneurs and we talk to Rolf Zeitvogel, Cellar Master & Managing Director at Blaauwklippen Vineyards and Master Distiller & Managing Director of Triple Three Estate Distillery.
In our current series on drinks entrepreneurs, we talk to Rob Heyns founder of The League of Beers.
Rob talks to us about his love for entrepreneurship and how he started The League of Beers, sold it to Yuppiechef and how they struggled to turn this eCommerce venture into a profitable business.
In Rob's latest project he launches Sugarbird Fynbos Gin with a crowdfunding project on Thundafund.
Biertjies en Niertjies with Trevor. A nephrologist during the week, Trevor retreats to Greyton on weekends to brew beer.
Today's guest is HRH Luitpold Prinz von Bayern, the great-grandson of the last King of Bavaria, Ludwig III, and the CEO of König Ludwig GmbH & Co. KG Schloßbrauerei Kaltenberg
The Wittelsbach's, one of the oldest royal families in Germany, ruled Bavaria for more than 700 years.
Chris Schädle is a German trained chef and owner of Siggi's German Restaurant and Bar in Salt Rock, Kwa Zulu-Natal.
Born in Germany, Chris grew up on the East Rand, attended a chef school in Munich and then worked at the family owned Wartburger Hof Hotel
Holger chat’s to Florian Leykauf about beer culture and in particular about German beer culture, focusing on beer culture in Florian’s hometown of Munich.
The most important beer style in Munich is Helles and the Augustines Helles being the local favouri
Holger Meier and Gary Amstutz discuss online retailing. Gary is the founder of Rubberstampsa.co.za and many other successful retail sites. Gary started his retailer in 2005.
Today Holger talks to Andrew Rall founder of KwaZulu-Natal's first micro distillery, Distillery 031 in The Foundry, 43 Station Road, Durban.
Andrew tells us about how he started the distillery and about his urban renewal project at The Foundry.
Today's guest is Lauren Hendrie from Midlands Distillery in Crammond. Angelo and Lauren started the distillery in 2016 and they have just received their license and they have just launched their Bootlegger Moonshine.
Today we chat with Trevor Maarschalk, the new owner of the 1000 Hill Chef School and the 1000 Hills Brewery.
The Brewery and Deli are open: Friday to Sunday from 08:00 to 16:30. Find them at 4 Wootton Ave, Bothas Hill
Other breweries to visit in Durban include:
Robsonson's Brewery on Point That Brewing Company in Station Road Standeaven Brewery at the Shongweni Market Toti Brewing Company
Rob Riedlinger has been printing and publishing books for over 20 years. Rob was key in getting The Beer Book published.
Rob and Holger Chat about publishing, new media and digital marketing.
In today’s show, we chat to Hanneli van der Merwe + Chris Wium the founders and owners of Quin Finest Indian Tonic Water. Hanneli tells us how to make your own tonic and how she started this new drinks company.
Holger talks to Warren Harries-Jones founder of Dragon Fiery Ginger Beer. Warren is an engineer as well as a charted accountant. Warren started Dragon Ginger in his kitchen in Melkbos in 2011. The brand is now available in most decent bottle stores and pubs. Warren and Marco have just returned from a successful trip to Europe and have returned with some export orders.
Talking Fussball, Bundesliga, Bafana and a bit of Weissbier with Delron Buckley. Oh and the new book... "Delron Buckley My Life"
From selling Computer hardware to selling Zambezi Lager. We chat to Kieran Tracy, who started Zambezi Beverages in 1991/2 just when National Breweries started making Zambezi Lager.
Kieran distributed brands like Zambezi, Two Dogs with Mike Hayesman, Sol, Bollingers.
Hear how Kieran managed to sell a 30 - 40 containers of Zambezi Lager when the Taverner’s Association had a dispute with SAB, which lead to a boycott of SAB products during the December 1993 period.
We chat about the Africa Pack from SAB.
Kieran then started importing Seltzer, an Icelandic water in a clear can in 1996, followed by Snapple and Monster.
In todays show Holger chats to Robert Mitchell, who was involved in a number of landmark restaurants and pubs in South Africa, including The Kegs, Joe Kools, Billy The BUMS, Stokers Arms, The Firkin, Waxy O'Connors, Station Masters and Old Main Brewery.
Durban Poison is a finger in the face of conformity.
“Amongst the iconic South African Cities, Durban is the ugly sister, less beautiful than Cape Town and poorer than Johannesburg, but this edgy industrial city, near the beach and by the country, is in its own way beautiful amongst the sisters, she’s the keeper.”
Poison City is a lifestyle brand built around Durban and its surfing lifestyle.
Poison City: Holger talks to Graeme "Surfing" Bird from Poison City Brewing about what makes Durban famous: Is it the harbour, Johnny’s Chip & Cheese Roti's, no it's Surfing and the Rebel Lifestyle.
Graeme wants to creating a brand that makes Durban proud.
Poison City brewed their first beer, The Bird Lager, with Sean and Paul at That Brewing Company, the second beer, The Punk Rocker, an English Pale Ale with Jason at Toti Brewing Company, then The Kiff, a Belgian Wit with Shaun Standeaven and then The Other Bird, a Czech Dark Lager, which was developed by Czech brewing veteran Ladislav Vesely. Next up is the Wedge, an American style, Imperial Pale Ale, and then when the time is right, Graeme is planning to launch a mass market beer, called Durban Poison.
Lessons from Kevin Hedderwick, from Famous Brands, etc
Poison City beers are available in over 100 outlets in Kzn and over 200 nationally, e.g. Tops at Spar, Beerhouse, Republik, Bananjam, etc
To catch Graeme’s story subscribe to my podcast subscribe on Android or on iTunes
Simone Musgrave We chat with Simone, the founder of Musgrave Gin.
Musgrave currently has two gins: Musgrave 11 the original Musgrave Gin is all about Africa & spices born out of the flavours and history of Africa and its ancient spice route. Musgrave Pink Gin has all of the spice and flavour of Musgrave 11 but is toned down to be gentler and less spicy and to bring out the floral of the rosehips and the infused rosewater.
Simone is a pro at developing brands - she has taken craft gin to the next level.
Simone surrounds herself with experts… from brand developers to distillers and sales.
A great product and brand is important, but Route to market & sales is everything.
We chat with Manfred Haf who worked for Dr Anton Rupert’s Rembrandt Group selling tobacco products, Intercontinental Breweries. IC brands included Kronenbrau 1308, Heidelberg, Sportsman Lager & Colt 45. The Beer war of the 70’s lasted for about 7 years, before IC was sold to SAB in return for a controlling share in Stellenbosch Farmers Winery.
Manfred tells how SAB dominated the market and how they managed to capture a significant portion of the market in South Africa. IC got a lot of exposure with their Clydesdale horse wagons.
In 1980’s Manfred helped Namibian Breweries open depots in Johannesburg and Cape Town to launch Windhoek Beer in South Africa.
Today Manfred helps Flare Beverages as the national sales manager. We talk Erdinger, Paulaner & Bitburger.
Manfred's motto: offer a good product and support it with good service.
There are some exiting new developments on the horizon that we are looking forward to.
In this episode Holger chats to Lucy Beard from Hope on Hopkins. Hope on Hopkins is Cape Towns first artisanal distillery.
Thank you for listening to our stories here online. Here is a link were you can subscribe to become part of our community and be notified when we upload our latest content Subscribe to our podcast at http://pod.link/drinksworld https://www.drinksworld.co.za/ DrinksWorld is a powerful network for business owners and professionals in the beverage industry.
In this show I chat with Alan Melville, founder and Managing Director of The Red Rock Brewing Company. Alan has worked for SAB as a strategist and now runs Red Rock, the biggest micro brewery in South Africa. Being the biggest does not make you the best.
Peter Dean and his family own the Rawdons Hotel and The Nottingham Road Craft Brewery. They are celebrating the Pig's 21st birthday this year. Holger & Peter's paths crossed in 1999 when Peter needed a light lager for the Bierfassl.