News

The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) and the Central University of Technology (CUT) successfully hosted the 18th annual Intervarsitybrew™: Brewing & Tasting Challenge in Bloemfontein this past weekend - a celebration of science, creativity and innovation in South African brewing.

Mainly sponsored by the South African Breweries (SAB), Heineken Beverages, FoodBev Manufacturing SETA and Fermentis, the 2025 edition brought together teams from universities across the country to compete for top honours across a range of beer styles and design categories.

This year, the event also welcomed an observer from Walter Sisulu University, whose team will be joining and taking part in next year’s competition - expanding participation to almost 20 universities. This marks another milestone in the challenge’s growing national reach and reinforces its role as a launchpad for emerging brewers and innovators.

“Our intention as BASA is to build a strong pipeline of young talent entering the beer industry,” said Archy Hlahla, Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations Manager at BASA. “Brewing combines science, technology, and creativity. While there’s still no formal brewing science qualification offered locally, the Intervarsitybrew™ gives students invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship from industry experts, and exposure to exciting career paths.”

Participants brewed their beers ahead of the competition, submitting up to six different styles for evaluation. During the three-day event, judges assessed each entry based on flavour, aroma, appearance, and technical execution, while students showcased their creativity through original label designs and presentations.

Professor Olga de Smidt, competition director and researcher at CUT, highlighted the importance of the initiative in building the future of South African brewing:

“This event nurtures innovation, collaboration, and practical learning.  Intervarsitybrew™ has become a space where students apply theory to real-world practice, experimenting with new techniques, learning from professionals, and developing confidence in their craft.”

The South African beer industry remains a vital contributor to the economy, supporting over 210,000 jobs and contributing 1.3% to GDP, according to Oxford Economics. Beyond its economic footprint, the sector supports local agriculture, manufacturing, and small business development - making events such as Intervarsitybrew™ critical for sustaining growth and innovation.

Participants were judged according to the Beer Judge Certification Programme (BJCP) guidelines, with awards presented across six beer categories: lager, IPA, sour/fruit, summer (low alcohol), African WiLD ale, and aged/matured. Additional honours were awarded for Best Label Design and Mentor of the Year, recognising creativity, technical excellence, and leadership.

The event also featured industry talks and technical workshops led by prominent brewers and experts, including Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, founder of Tolokazi Beer; Troye May of Beer School; Craig Claassen, Chairperson of CBASA and international taster/judge Anton Erasmus. Sessions focused on sustainable brewing, innovation, and opportunities in the beer industry, providing students and participants with valuable insights from leaders across the sector.

The awards ceremony, held on Saturday evening, 26 October, was live streamed on YouTube and drew enthusiastic participation from audiences across the country.

“The enthusiasm and dedication shown by this year’s teams were exceptional,” Hlahla added. “The Intervarsitybrew™ has grown into a powerful platform for learning and collaboration. It’s inspiring to see how young brewers are shaping the future of South Africa’s beer industry.”