Heineken reviews its South African wine business
The review covers Distell brands Nederburg, JC Le Roux and Durbanville Hills. Wine expert Michael Fridjhon says the decision came from head office in Europe and surprised the local team.
Fridjhon said the review was driven by finance, not by the local business. He said the South African wine brands in the Heineken group have not performed brilliantly and the wine industry is under pressure. He also said Heineken as a global company faces pressure on sales and on fines it must pay.
Fridjhon said Heineken South Africa needs to do some soul-searching. He said the brands are flagship brands and that is a concern.
He said an overseas buyer might see a sale as a toehold in the South African market. Such a buyer could use it as a springboard into the rest of Africa. Fridjhon spoke to CapeTalk presenter John Maytham.
Distell merged with Heineken in 2023.
Key facts
- Who
- Michael Fridjhon (wine expert); John Maytham (CapeTalk presenter who interviewed Fridjhon); Heineken (company reviewing its South African wine business); Distell (former company whose brands are in the review, merged with Heineken in 2023)
- What
- Heineken is reviewing its South African wine business, including Distell brands such as Nederburg, JC Le Roux and Durbanville Hills. Wine expert Michael Fridjhon, speaking to CapeTalk, gave his view on the reasons and possible outcomes.
- When
- 2 November 2026
- Where
- South Africa, Amsterdam, Europe
- Status
- Reported