From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Despite an economic downturn, international beer brewer Heineken South Africa will be expanding its Sedibeng brewery’s production from 5.3-million hectoliters to 7.5-million hectoliters a year by 2020. Simone Liedtke visited the facility ahead of International Beer Day earlier this month.

Simone Liedtke:

By 2020, production at the facility will have increased to eight-million hectoliters a year, with the total investment value of the expansion estimated at €65-million. While hosting media for a tour of the facility, Heineken South Africa MD Gerrit van Loo tells Engineering News Online a bit about the company’s future plans and how Sedibeng plays a role in these.

Heineken South Africa MD Gerrit van Loo:

Simone Liedtke:

Much like the rest of the country, the Sedibeng facility has been battling with electricity supply constraints. Van Loo says dealing with this has actually been a cheaper option, compared with costs associated with running Sedibeng on generators. As a result, renewable energy generation options are currently being considered.

Heineken South Africa MD Gerrit van Loo:

Simone Liedtke:

With water-use also being a focus area for the brewery, Heineken is, as part of its 2030 ambition, aiming to decrease its use to 2.8 litres for every litre of beer produced. The facility currently uses between 3.5 litres and 3.6 litres of water for every litre of beer produced. Van Loo tells us a little more about this part of the company’s “Brewing a Better World” global sustainability strategy.

Heineken South Africa MD Gerrit van Loo:

Simone Liedtke:

Further, as part of its global sustainability strategy, Heineken is aiming to have production of all its South African brands completely locally produced by 2022. Van Loo also gives us some more details on the “Brewing a Better World” strategy.

Heineken South Africa MD Gerrit van Loo:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.