The Proudly South African Local Wine Expo, held from the 26th to the 28th of July at the Prison Break Market, concluded with remarkable success, showcasing a vibrant array of local winemakers, and generating significant interest in locally produced wines.
This year’s expo, which was supported by South Africa’s best SME bank, First National Bank featured over 70% women winemakers, highlighting the exceptional contributions of female leaders in the industry. Their innovative and diverse offerings captivated attendees, demonstrating the depth and creativity present in the local wine scene.
A standout aspect of the event was the dedicated buying session, which allowed retailers, hoteliers, and restaurateurs to connect directly with winemakers and secure shelf space for local wines. This initiative proved highly effective, fostering valuable connections, and boosting the representation of locally produced wines in retail outlets.
Proudly SA is well known for its competitions and the “Own Your Drink” competition did not disappoint. Attendees of the event were provided with sticker collection cards at the entrance of the Proudly SA Local Wine Expo and were asked to purchase any three bottles from the local winemakers to stand a chance to win some local goodies.
The enthusiasm for the showcased wines was evident, with a notable number of brands selling out by the second day of the three-day expo. This strong demand underscores the growing consumer interest in high-quality, locally-produced wines and the expanding market potential for these products. Gauteng Province MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, said “This is an occasion for celebration and a testament that localisation works when we as citizens join together and support local entrepreneurs and their businesses.”
This expo demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting and purchasing from local SMEs. By actively engaging with our local economy and consciously choosing locally made products and services, we help our emerging businesses expand, create jobs, and establish a stronger presence in their markets. This, in turn, stimulates economic growth and alleviates some of the financial pressures on key contributors within our communities.
FNB Marketing Segment Head, Katlego Mahloane spoke at the Local Wine Expo media briefing and said, “We need to uplift, and we need to support, not only the local winemakers but local in general and we need to hold each other personally accountable so that we can turn the tide of unemployment and poverty in our country.”
The Proudly SA Local Wine Expo offers a valuable market access opportunity for entrepreneurs in the retail chain of the wine sector. Proudly SA invited various food vendors to participate, including Corner Dladla Pizzeria, 2Selai, Sumting Fresh, and Sihle’s Brew, all of whom showcased and sold their products at the event. The expo also featured the Ledikana brand, which sold wine carrier bags, along with Mokka chocolates and confectionery, and Nutrintha, offering a diverse selection of nuts.
South African Wine Industry Snapshot
South Africa is renowned for its diverse wine industry, contributing significantly to the global wine market. As of 2023, South Africa ranks as the 9th largest wine producer in the world, with approximately 1.3 billion litres produced annually. The industry has seen continued growth, with wine exports reaching over 400 million litres in recent years. South Africa is recognised for its unique terroirs and has been acclaimed internationally for its Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and other varietals.[i]
“The Proudly SA Local Wine Expo Wine Expo has been a tremendous success, exceeding our expectations,” said Eustace Mashimbye, Proudly SA CEO. “The presence of so many talented women winemakers and the enthusiastic response from both attendees and retailers highlights the strength and promise of our local wine industry.”
The expo provided a unique platform for wine lovers, industry professionals, and retailers to explore the richness of local wine offerings and engage with the passionate individuals behind them. With such a strong showing and positive feedback, the future of local wines looks brighter than ever.
