Darling Brew Wins Gold for Africa's Best Non-Alcoholic Beer

Cape Chameleon leads four-medal success at the African Beer Cup

Darling Brew has once again demonstrated why it remains one of South Africa's leading craft breweries, taking home four medals at the 2026 African Beer Cup, including a Gold Medal for Cape Chameleon Non-Alcoholic IPA, officially recognised as Africa's best non-alcoholic beer.

Announced at BeerEx Africa in Cape Town on 23 May 2026, the awards saw Darling Brew medal across three different categories.

Out of 43 beer categories and 244 entries from 16 African countries, Darling Brew secured medals in three categories, highlighting the brewery's commitment to quality, innovation and brewing excellence.

Awards Won At The African Beer Cup 2026

Gold Medal: Cape Chameleon Non-Alcoholic IPA

Silver Medal: Break Free Gluten Free Red Ale

Bronze Medal: Cape Fox Non-Alcoholic Lager

Bronze Medal: Warlord IPA

Africa’s Best Non-Alcoholic Beer

“Three years ago, while visiting Kraków, I thought I had tasted the best non-alcoholic IPA in the world. That was until I tried Darling Brew’s Cape Chameleon,” says Kevin Wood, National Sales Manager at Darling Brew.

“Cape Chameleon proves that craft, flavour and innovation can thrive without the alcohol.”

“Brewing a great non-alcoholic beer is one of the biggest challenges in modern brewing because there is nowhere to hide,” says Angelique Kieser, Head Brewer at Darling Brew and the creator of the Cape Chameleon Non-Alcoholic IPA.

“To see Cape Chameleon recognised as the best non-alcoholic beer in Africa is incredibly rewarding and a testament to the passion, precision and creativity of our brewing team.”

Innovation And Brewing Excellence

The awards reflect Darling Brew’s ongoing investment in innovation and its ability to brew exceptional beers across a wide range of styles.

The brewery now offers one of South Africa’s most extensive non-alcoholic craft beer ranges, while continuing to earn recognition for its traditional craft beers.

Mario Delicio, CEO of Darling Brew, emphasises, “As we see increased competitiveness among the craft brewers on the African continent, innovation is one of the most important steps to stay ahead and bring the change the market embraces.”

Founded in 2010, Darling Brew has built a reputation for producing premium craft beer inspired by conservation and brewed on the West Coast.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the brewery remains committed to pushing boundaries while delivering exceptional quality in every beer it brews.

About Darling Brew

Darling Brew has been brewing award-winning craft beer since 2010.

Inspired by endangered species and driven by a passion for conservation, the brewery produces a diverse range of premium beers and beverages from its home on the West Coast of South Africa.