For over a century, SAB has championed local sourcing, empowered communities, and strengthened South Africa’s economy through beer – a product that is local, natural, and inclusive. 

Johannesburg, 13 March 2025 – South African Breweries (SAB) celebrates 130 years of brewing with purpose, deeply embedded in South Africa’s agricultural and economic fabric. Since its inception in 1895, SAB has remained committed to sourcing local ingredients, fostering sustainable farming, and ensuring that beer is a true reflection of the country’s rich natural resources.

As SAB marks this milestone anniversary at the 2025 Proudly SA Summit & Expo, it reaffirms its role as a champion of local economic growth. From seed to sip, SAB’s operations support 250,000 livelihoods, ensuring that its impact extends beyond brewing into agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and entrepreneurship.

“Beer is local by nature – it is brewed with homegrown ingredients, and is shared in moments that bring people together,” says Zoleka Lisa, VP of Corporate Affairs at SAB. “For 130 years, we have remained committed to sourcing locally, investing in communities, and growing alongside South Africa. As we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.”

130 Years of Investing in Local Farmers & Sustainable Sourcing

SAB’s commitment to local sourcing has been at the heart of its operations for over a century. Today, over 95% of its raw ingredients – barley, maize, hops, and sorghum – are sourced locally, ensuring that South African farmers are directly integrated into the beer value chain. The company’s FarmSol program, one of the leading agricultural empowerment initiatives in the country, supports 1,120 black farmers, including 500 women, through skills training, market access, and financial support.

The company is also home to South Africa’s only two malting plants, located in Alrode and Caledon, as well as the continent’s only hops processing plant in George, reinforcing its deep investment in local agro-processing.

By keeping 95% of raw ingredients and 99% of packaging materials sourced from within South Africa – including glass from Isanti Glass – SAB ensures that beer remains a locally brewed product, fuelling thousands of jobs across supply chains.

Brewing Innovation & Strengthening South African Industries

Beyond agriculture, SAB has been a driving force in advancing innovation in the industry. Its Barley Research Facility in Caledon pioneers new, climate-resilient barley strains to safeguard local production against environmental challenges. Additionally, its investment in the Moletele Lime Farm in Limpopo, a Community Private Partnership, produces 10,000 tons of lime annually, creating jobs and fostering rural economic upliftment.

The company’s innovation extends to product evolution. From launching Castle Lite in 1994 to introducing Corona Cero in 2024, SAB continues to adapt to consumer preferences while ensuring that its products remain proudly South African. The launch of Castle Lager’s Bread of the Nation campaign is a testament to SAB’s sustainability efforts – transforming spent grain from the brewing process into bread to help feed South Africans in need.

Driving Entrepreneurship & Economic Inclusion

SAB’s commitment extends beyond brewing. Through the SAB Foundation, over R632 million has been invested in grant funding, business development, and interest-free loans for 6,422 enterprises, collectively creating more than 10,000 jobs and sustaining over 5,500 existing jobs.

Meanwhile, SAB Zenzele, South Africa’s largest broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) scheme in the FMCG sector, empowered over 40,000 tavern owners and small retailers, paying out over R9.7 billion in financial benefits. This initiative transitioned into SAB Zenzele Kabili, ensuring continued black ownership in AB InBev, SAB’s parent company.

The beer value chain supports approximately 250,000 jobs, from farmers and truck drivers to retailers and social entrepreneurs, demonstrating that beer is more than just a product; it’s a driver of economic opportunity and inclusion.

Looking Ahead: The Next 130 Years of Local Impact

As SAB looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to advancing local sourcing, driving innovation economic growth. Attendees at the 2025 Proudly SA Summit & Expo are invited to visit SAB’s exhibition stand to experience firsthand how the company is shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for South Africa.

“For 130 years, SAB has been more than a brewery – we have been a trusted partner in South Africa’s growth,” concludes Lisa. “As we move forward, our commitment remains clear: to brew with local ingredients, support local businesses, and build a future that continues to uplift South Africans for generations to come.”