Heineken reviews South African wine business amid market pressure

Heineken is evaluating strategic options for its wine operations in South Africa, including prominent brands such as Nederburg and JC Le Roux. This review follows the 2023 completion of a €2.2 billion acquisition of Distell and Namibia Breweries, which formed the Heineken Beverages division.

The decision comes as the company faces contrasting performance trends in the region. While Heineken reported double-digit volume growth in beer and ready-to-drink beverages in South Africa during the third quarter of 2026, the wine segment has struggled. Group CFO Harold van den Broek noted that the company is reviewing the role of wine within its portfolio but stated they are not making “hasty decisions.”

Challenges cited include difficulties in integrating the acquired businesses, market share losses, and high costs. The broader South African wine industry has also faced headwinds, with export volumes falling 13.8% in 2025.