One of the major challenges of Africa is that there is a shortage of safe, potable water in many parts of the continent. At the same time, Africa spans the equator from above the tropic of cancer in the North to below the tropic of capricorn in the South and has a climate that is predominantly hot and thirst-generating. The African tourist industry is picking up with increasing numbers of affluent visitors arriving from Europe, Asia and the Americas. The net result is a huge demand for safe drinks to quench the thirst of locals and visitors alike.
The brewing industry is strong in Africa, with both local and international companies vying for market share. Historically, most countries have had their own breweries and beer labels, many of them carrying African names such as Tusker, Kilimanjaro, Safari or Lion.
Beer consumption per capita varies widely through Africa.
The beverage industry is strong in Africa with Coca Cola, Pepsi and many of the other well-known international brands of soft drinks bottled locally under licence.
The wine industry has been in existence in Africa for several hundred years. South Africa is well known for its wines internationally, but Morocco, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe also have reasonably well-developed wine industries.