Craft beer is taking Africa by storm, one city at a time

There is a hidden thirst for craft beer across the African continent. Except for South Africa where craft beers have been thriving for close to four decades now, craft beers are almost non-existent. Most beer lovers outside South Africa are mostly left with no option but to embrace mass-produced beer, which quite frankly, can be bland at times. Whenever someone starts a craft brewery in the continent, the reason behind their investment is almost always the same: they were frustrated by the lack of good quality, flavorful craft beers. Soon after opening their doors, they realise they were not the only ones.

to data from Statista. The market is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2022-2027) of 18.58%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$2.689 trillion by 2027. Across the continent, beverage companies have been angling to capitalize on this growth. In this issue, we review some of the major investments that players in the industry have been making to better address growing demand.

Food Business Africa (ISSN 2307-3535) is published 6 times a year by FW Africa. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission from the editor is prohibited. All information is published in good faith. While care is taken to prevent inaccuracies, the publishers accept no liability for any errors or omissions or for the consequences of any action taken on the basis of information published.

In this issue, we highlight the story of Bature Brewery, Nigeria’s first craft brewery. Just like other craft brewers, the reception by Nigerians was beyond “We thought it was going to be challenging, but we were quite surprised by the acceptance by the Nigerian market,” says Gbenga Oguntayo, Executive Director of Bature Breweries, Nigeria’s first craft brewery. “It seems a lot of people had international exposure to craft beer previously, either physically or online, so when we made it available in Lagos we had a very, very positive response.”

Africa’s beverage industry has been growing and is estimated at US$1.147 trillion in 2022, according

As demand drops in Europe, long life is finding a new home in Asia, Middle East and Africa. On page. We highlight the sectors growth in the continent and the latest trends that dairy manufacturers across the region are embracing in an effort align to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded dairy aisle.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we highlight the steps the food industry is taking to produce foods that are less likely to expose consumers to cancer. With cancer emerging as the second leading cause of death globally, its was certainly about time the food industry responded and we are more than happy to inform you of the many changes that food players are making to their product formulations.

Being our last edition for the year, we can only wish you an insightful read as you enjoy your much deserved holiday.

Paul Ongeto, Senior Editor