Savanna wins gold at Asian beerfest

Says brand spokesperson Marius Fouché, MD for Distell Asia Pacific, "The brand continues to record solid growth despite the impact of the global recession on consumer spending, thanks to its authentic cider identity, flavour and quality presentation. Its popularity is not confined to its country of origin, however. Now, the world's third-biggest cider, according to Euromonitor research, it is growing its international appeal as sales rise on every continent."

Fouché says the UK represents its biggest market after South Africa. Sales there are robust, even though some competitor brands are suffering from dwindling consumer spend. The Germans and the Dutch have also developed a thirst for Savanna.

"Beerfest Asia was staged to coincide with 2010 FIFA World Cup matches. That our brand should earn such kudos when the spotlight was on South Africa as the host country, added to the sense of achievement."

He adds that it was entered into the event to establish how it would be perceived alongside other cider offerings from around the world. "We find these benchmarking exercises very important in determining how the brand is received, not only by consumers but by expert judging panels," he concludes.