South African Breweries

Restoring catchments to protect water supplies and hops production

Climate-related water risk: Water scarcity, drought, ecosystem degradation, and wildfire risk
Solution pathway: Nature-based catchment restoration and invasive plant removal

Business type: Large corporate
Sector: Beverages
Geography: South Africa

In Practice

Water is the most important ingredient in beer, but in South Africa it is an increasingly constrained resource. SAB, part of AB InBev, has responded by investing in nature-based solutions that protect and restore the water systems its business and surrounding communities depend on.

Working with partners including WWF, The Nature Conservancy, and local government, SAB has supported the clearing of invasive and non-indigenous plant species in key water source areas. These plants use more water than indigenous vegetation, reducing river flows and increasing pressure on already stressed freshwater systems. Through this work, SAB and its partners have replenished approximately 3.3 billion litres of water by clearing 1,367 hectares of invasive vegetation in the Western Cape.

The work is especially important in the Outeniqua region around George, the only location in Africa suitable for growing hops, a key ingredient in beer. Invasive species such as Black Wattle, Eucalyptus, Pine and Hakea can reduce water availability and increase wildfire risk, threatening both ecosystems and hops production. By investing in catchment restoration, SAB is helping protect water flows, reduce fire risk, support local jobs, and strengthen the resilience of a critical agricultural input.

Why this example was selected

This case study was chosen because it is a clear example of a business protecting the natural systems that supply a critical input. It has strong quantified outcomes, including hectares restored and litres of water replenished, and it links water security directly to business continuity, local communities, and ingredient supply.

SAB’s catchment restoration work is delivered with credible external partners including WWF, The Nature Conservancy, and local government. It also has clear quantified outcomes: the company and its partners report replenishing approximately 3.3 billion litres of water through the clearing of 1,367 hectares of invasive and non-indigenous vegetation in the Western Cape.