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Articles by Rico Basson
2024 Wine Tourism Conference to explore strategies for profitable growth
On 30 May 2024, the eighth annual Wine Tourism Conference is set to unfold, showcasing an array of esteemed international and local speakers who will delve into "The Business Case for Wine Tourism," the central theme for this year’s event. Sponsored by Wesgro, Delta Air Lines, the Stellenbosch Wine Route, and South Africa Wine, this day-long event will take place at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch.
SA's liquor industry bounces back with 19.4% increase in sales
South Africa's resilient R144bn liquor sector, which weathered the storm of unprecedented global liquor bans during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 has come back fighting. According to the latest in-depth analysis by NIQ South Africa, the local liquor sector experienced a remarkable 19.4% increase in annual sales as it successfully adapted to evolving consumer palates and preferences. The standout performer in 2023? Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages (FABs) like ciders and coolers.
SA's liquor industry bounces back with 19.4% increase in sales
South Africa's resilient R144bn liquor sector, which weathered the storm of unprecedented global liquor bans during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 has come back fighting. According to the latest in-depth analysis by NIQ South Africa, the local liquor sector experienced a remarkable 19.4% increase in annual sales as it successfully adapted to evolving consumer palates and preferences. The standout performer in 2023? Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages (FABs) like ciders and coolers.
Wine exports experienced an increase of R342m
In the huge landscape of global economy, the wine industry emerges as a prominent player, not only for its cultural and gastronomic value but also for its significant economic impact on multiple countries. Image by Matthias Böckel from Pixabay In this context, South Africa stands out as a notable example, distinguishing itself on the world stage for the quality and quantity of its wine production. Despite the inherent fluctuations in any economic sector, this industry has sought to remain stable.
Astral Foods rebounds from bird flu outbreak, expects 300% rise in profits
Astral Foods anticipates a return to profitability in the half-year ending on 31 March, citing the diminishing effects of South Africa's bird flu outbreak and power disruptions. According to a Wednesday trading statement, the poultry producer projects a substantial increase in headline earnings per share (HEPS), the country's primary profit metric, with a minimum rise of 300% to R654 compared to R163 in the corresponding period of the previous year.
How crop diversification is boosting productivity and sustainability in SA agriculture
The agricultural landscape is experiencing a notable shift away from the conventional method of mono-cropping, where large expanses of land are dedicated to the cultivation of a single crop variety. That’s according to Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB, who says that sustainable crop production now demands urgent attention towards diversifying crops.
IITA collaborates with global leaders to transform African agriculture
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has officially launched a groundbreaking initiative, "Making effective bio-inputs work for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa" (BioSSA), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This project marks the first-ever strategic collaboration in Africa, aiming to revolutionize agriculture by providing innovative bio-input solutions to empower smallholder farmers across the region.
Creighton Valley dairy farms embrace solar power for sustainable production
In the picturesque Creighton Valley of Kwa-Zulu Natal, a significant shift towards renewable energy is taking place. Traditional pillars of the local economy, such as dairy farms and cheese producers, are embracing solar power through SolarSaver, a company providing solar photovoltaic installations. This move aims to cut electricity expenses and establish a reliable power source, marking a transformative journey in the region's sustainable energy landscape.
South Africa's vineyards show resilience amid seasonal challenges
Viticulture specialists have provided their second assessment for the upcoming 2024 wine grape harvest, presenting a detailed analysis of the current status of South Africa's vineyards. The statistics, adjusted to accommodate the influence of varied weather conditions throughout the growth period, indicate a projected national wine grape harvest slightly below the initial estimate but surpassing the yield of the 2023 harvest.
New citrus qualification for high school students launched
As the academic year commences, the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has announced a groundbreaking initiative – high schools across South Africa will now offer a qualification in citrus production. In 2024, over 450 students at 16 schools will be enrolled in the innovative Citrus Secondary programme.
#BizTrends2024: Trends shaping the future of the global wine industry in 2024
Search jobs As we step into the dynamic landscape of the wine industry in 2024, various challenges and opportunities unfold, reshaping the way producers, winemakers, and consumers interact with this beloved beverage. From health concerns to geopolitical disruptions and climate impacts to technological advancements, the wine world is undergoing a transformative journey that demands strategic adaptation and thoughtful consideration. Rico Basson, CEO, South Africa Wine 1.
Navigating the vineyards: Trends shaping the future of the global wine industry in 2024
As we step into the dynamic landscape of the wine industry in 2024, various challenges and opportunities unfold, reshaping the way producers, winemakers, and consumers interact with this beloved beverage. From health concerns to geopolitical disruptions and climate impacts to technological advancements, the wine world is undergoing a transformative journey that demands strategic adaptation and thoughtful consideration. Rico Basson, CEO, South Africa Wine 1.
SA sugar industry surpasses R1bn transformation investment target
SA Canegrowers has announced that, with the disbursement of transformation funding this month, the sugar industry has met its objective of investing more than R1bn in transformation funding over five years. Despite facing various challenges in the last five years, this funding has played a pivotal role in supporting over 21,000 small-scale growers and their farm workers.
Wine exports up for discussion this Thursday
Shipping shortfalls at the oft weather-bound Port of Cape Town, specifically the challenges it poses to wine exports, will come under the spotlight at an Exporters Western Cape (EWC) event this Thursday. The keynote speaker will be Rico Basson, CEO of SA Wine, an amalgamated body formed to “ensure that South Africa secures its rightful place on the global stage”, an EWC statement said.
Wine sector’s battle for survival goes to court
This week (August 23-26), the Western Cape High Court will hear wine industry body, Vinpro’s, case to fully reopen and rebuild the industry, which includes the wine tourism sector. “Despite all of the setbacks the South African wine industry has had to endure over the past 17 months, Vinpro has not backed down from the fight to fully reopen and rebuild the industry,” said Vinpro MD, Rico Basson.
#BizTrends2020: SA wine industry shifting gears
The South African wine industry is entering a new phase of repositioning, consolidation and reinvestment. Although challenges such as climate change, shifts in production and demand and financial pressures are expected to continue into 2020, it has led to the industry becoming more streamlined, focused and adaptable. The wine industry annually contributes more than R36bn to South Africa’s gross domestic product and employs 290 000 people throughout the value chain.
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