Food and Beverages

These two sectors are developed around a number of established companies, both domestic and international. They have a strong capability and have well developed supply linkages from both domestic agriculture and international markets. The Sugar Industry, with its highly efficient base of coastal sugarcane production, is an important contributor to the local food industry.

The beer industry in KwaZulu-Natal, previously the exclusive preserve of mass-producers, South African Breweries (SAB) and United National Breweries, has expanded substantially, due to the establishment of five new, independent micro breweries.

The breweries include the Firkin Brew Pub at the Pavilion at Westville; the Nottingham Road Brewery on the Midlands Meander route; the Farmers Brewery in Hattingspruit, near Dundee; the Wartburg Hof Breweries and the Zululand Company Brewery in Eshowe. Although a relatively new niche market, it attracts tourists and beer connoisseurs from around the world.  The beer industry provides excellent job opportunities and has lots of untapped potential. A beer route has been established.