Meeting consumer needs for increased choice and moderation

Johannesburg, South Africa – June 2024: South African Breweries (SAB) is proud to introduce a unique addition to its portfolio, the premium beer brand, Corona Cero. This alcohol-free beer, with Vitamin D, is a testament to our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our consumers. It's a perfect choice for both existing and new beer drinkers who are looking for an alcohol-free option that doesn't compromise on taste or quality.

Zoleka Lisa, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at SAB, said, "We are excited to introduce Corona Cero, growing our portfolio of global brands that resonate with South Africans and meet their changing consumption needs. This alcohol-free beer broadens the consumer choice and is a pronounced expression of our commitment to ensuring moderation. We have always maintained that beer is a beverage of moderation, and this now provides consumers with even more options. Furthermore, it encourages a culture of responsibility among South Africans, which we are deliberate in enabling at SAB."

Corona Cero shares the essence of the Corona brand, a brand that celebrates getting outside and enjoying life in the sun. Commenting that the brand has Vitamin D, which bottles the sun's goodness into the bottle, Vice President for Marketing Vaughan Croeser said, "At SAB, we put innovation first. The feeling of the sun is one of the things that people love most about the outdoors, and the Corona brand is always innovating to remind them of that feeling of getting outside".

Significant shifts in the beer consumption sector drive SAB's move to introduce Corona Cero to South Africa. According to a report by GlobalData, Gen Z, particularly in South Africa, is showing a marked preference for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages. Joining this shift are millennials who are embracing this trend of substitutes, wanting the choice of non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beverages on occasion. The IWSR reports that new consumers made up nearly 20% of no-alcohol consumers in 2023. With Corona Cero, we are confident in meeting these evolving consumer preferences and providing a product that resonates with the market.

Corona Cero is not just a product; it is our commitment to promoting responsible drinking. At SAB, we always advocate for our consumers to be 'sharp' when it comes to alcohol consumption and champion responsibility. We want every beer experience to be a positive one, and launching this brand is a clear demonstration of those efforts. It is a step towards a culture of responsible drinking that we are actively fostering, and we invite all our South Africans to join us in this endeavor.

Corona Cero has will be available in leading retail outlets and beverage establishments in South Africa since from June onwards