Land Bank Launches Transformative Wine and Spirits Fund to Uplift Black Producers in South Africa
South Africa, ranked seventh among the world’s top wine-producing nations, produced nearly 934 million litres of wine in 2023. The wine industry contributes an impressive R56.5 billion to the country’s GDP, yet participation in this thriving sector has historically excluded many.
That’s set to change.
A groundbreaking new initiative — the Wine and Spirits Fund — has been launched as part of a broader partnership between the European Commission and the South African Government, under the Support Programme for the Transformation of the Wine and Spirits Sector. The goal: to drive meaningful transformation, open access, and boost exports of South African wines and spirits, especially by Black-owned brands, to international markets outside the EU.
The programme has two key components:
- Transformation of the sector, led by Land Bank with a R195 million allocation.
- Marketing and distribution, managed by the National Agricultural Marketing Council with R98 million.
Land Bank will begin accepting applications to the Wine and Spirits Fund starting 19 June 2025.
“This sector has global recognition, and South African wines are enjoyed all over the world,” says Themba Rikhotso, CEO of Land Bank. “But the value chain has not always been inclusive. Thanks to the support of the EU, we’re changing that by enabling Black producers to participate meaningfully in every part of the industry.”
Sandra Kramer, EU Ambassador to South Africa, echoed the sentiment:
“This partnership is truly transformative. Beyond supporting equitable access to land and infrastructure, it also promotes education, training, and socio-economic development. We’re proud to back a more inclusive and sustainable South African wine and spirits sector, especially through support for Black-owned brands accessing global markets.”
The EU has contributed a €10 million (roughly R195 million) grant toward the fund. This funding is designed to support applicants through two financing options:
- Grants of between R500,000 and R3.5 million to cover core business needs.
- An Equity Contributor option, which enables applicants to access between R3.5 million and R10 million by leveraging additional funding from Land Bank and other financial institutions.
To qualify, businesses must be Black-owned and managed and operating within the wine and spirits value chain. A detailed list of qualifying and selection criteria will be available when the application window opens.
This is more than just funding. It’s an opportunity to reshape the future of South Africa’s wine and spirits industry — one that’s inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.
