A recent survey conducted by the Craft Brewers Association of South Africa has revealed that only 10% of South African craft brewers believe they will be able to continue trading in the near future if restrictions on the trade of alcohol continue.Of the 100 breweries surveyed, more than 50% said their sales have decreased by 60-100% since lockdown began, 24% said that sales decreased by 90-100% and 87% said they can’t meet monthly expenses.
The record losses have resulted in breweries calling on government for assistance, but some won’t ever be able to bounce back. CBASA chairperson Wendy Pienaar said: “Our sector already lost 15% of South African craft breweries and 68% of those still trading have a negative outlook for the sustainability of their businesses going forward.”