Brewster Academy strives towards a sustainable industry with the 2nd edition of the Beverage Entrepreneurship Conference

Following the resounding success of the inaugural Beverage Entrepreneurship Conference in 2024, Brewster Academy is back with the second edition. Last year’s conference attracted over 100 entrepreneurs along with a network of strategic partners and stakeholders who greatly enriched the event.

This year founder Apiwe Mawela aiming even bigger by targeting at least 300 beverage industry game changers in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink production who are hungry for opportunities to learn, connect, and showcase their craft.

Brewster Academy’s mission is simple:

● To develop Africa’s Beverage Industry and empower young entrants to build innovative, compliant, sustainable, and value-driven enterprises and fostering

● To foster an industry that is not just profit focused but striving toward long term sustainability by spreading awareness for regulatory adherence and industry regulation

Leading lady Mawela-Nxusana said, “Through this conference, my primary goal is to disseminate crucial information to the participants, ensuring that their businesses are built on a solid foundation that adheres to industry regulations and compliance standards. We are simply leveling the playing field.”

This year’s key speakers include Director for Client Relations Management for the Gauteng Liquor Board Cleo Bodibe-Lushaba who will lead the conversation around industry regulations and Mthobeli Phele from Sunset Cocktails who will unpack industry trends in mobile bar services.

Ritha Zwane from the popular Kasi eatery Busy Corner Shisanyama and Johan Auriacombe of Capital Craft Beer Academy will collaborate in unpacking how brands can navigate the retail landscape for beverage entrepreneurs.

Manufacturing, compliance and marketing strategies will be on the agenda . Heineken Beverages, SME South Africa and other key industry players will spearhead meaningful interactions with the potential to ignite growth and identify new opportunities

Economic Impact of the Brewing Industry

● Alcoholic Beverages:

Contribution to South Africa’s GDP: R226.3 billion (US$13.19 billion).

● In 2022, 90,512 hectares were dedicated to wine grape cultivation, employing 269,096 people and involving 2,613 producers with 536 cellars.

● Employment in the food and beverage sector stood at 236,527, with SMEs making a significant contribution.

● Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Contribution to GDP: R60 billion,tax Contribution: R18 billion.

For more information on Brewster Academy and the conference, please visit https://beverageconference.co.za/ and follow
@brewstersacademy on Facebook and Instagram.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, 11th April 2025

Venue: Wakanda Village, Nelson Mandela Square (137 West Street), Sandton

Time: 08:30 – 16:00