South Africa: Beer Market 2026

Beer Market Size in South Africa

The South African beer market rose rapidly to $X in 2025, picking up by X% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2025; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Beer consumption peaked in 2025 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Beer Production in South Africa

In value terms, beer production surged to $X in 2025 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2025; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the production volume increased by X%. Beer production peaked in 2025 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Beer Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2025, exports of beer from South Africa expanded slightly to X litres, with an increase of X% on 2023. In general, exports posted a noticeable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X litres. From 2023 to 2025, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, beer exports skyrocketed to $X in 2025. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2025: its value increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of X%. The exports peaked in 2025 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Zambia (X litres), Botswana (X litres) and Swaziland (X litres) were the main destinations of beer exports from South Africa, together comprising X% of total exports. Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho and Mozambique lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

From 2012 to 2025, the biggest increases were recorded for Lesotho (with a CAGR of X%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Zambia ($X), Botswana ($X) and Swaziland ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for beer exported from South Africa worldwide, with a combined X% share of total exports. Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho and Mozambique lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further X%.

Lesotho, with a CAGR of X%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average beer export price stood at $X per litre in 2025, increasing by X% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2025: its price increased at an average annual rate of X% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2025 figures, beer export price increased by X% against 2022 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2023 an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum in 2025 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major foreign markets. In 2025, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Namibia ($X per litre) and Botswana ($X per litre), while the average price for exports to Zambia ($X per litre) and Mozambique ($X per litre) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2025, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Botswana (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Beer Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2025, the amount of beer imported into South Africa shrank sharply to X litres, waning by X% compared with the year before. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of X%. Imports peaked at X litres in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2025, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, beer imports reduced dramatically to $X in 2025. Over the period under review, imports recorded a pronounced reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when imports increased by X%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2025, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Namibia (X litres), Mozambique (X litres) and Mexico (X litres) were the main suppliers of beer imports to South Africa, together comprising X% of total imports. Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, the Netherlands and Italy lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further X%.

From 2012 to 2025, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Zimbabwe (with a CAGR of X%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Namibia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of beer to South Africa, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mozambique ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Mexico, with an X% share.

From 2012 to 2025, the average annual growth rate of value from Namibia totaled X%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mozambique (X% per year) and Mexico (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average beer import price stood at $X per thousand litres in 2025, reducing by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a noticeable decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per litre in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2025, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per litre), while the price for Zimbabwe ($X per thousand litres) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2025, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (X%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

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