South Africa
Fashion
ArtClub and Friends
Artclub is a brand that all artists can call home. A brand where artists can express themselves freely and trust that support will always be available to them on their journey. All of Artclub’s pieces as unisex and aim to reconnect you to the profound process of making clothes – the stories of the people and their hands that make it all possible. Artclub and Friends is 100% youth and women-owned and is extremely passionate about creating sustainable work. They also support micro-enterprises and are assisting in setting up with their first independent woman-owned manufacturer.
Artclub promotes sustainable fashion by reducing waste. The brand uses a small batch production technique. Less units equal less waste and their speciality has always been around creating just enough.
Fashion
MAXHOSA
MAXHOSA is a South African brand, which designs showcase the beauty, culture, language of the Xhosa people.
Why China?
With rising disposable incomes there is an increase in domestic consumption. Younger generations are becoming more globalised and are seeking diversity in their fashion choices that reflect their individuality.
Gin
Monks Gin
Monks Gin is carefully crafted using African botanicals in the Western Cape, South Africa. They use handpicked flora from the mountains cradling the distillery, which is infused with crystal clear water to turn simple into sublime.
Monks Gin actively supports local South African farmers, as their workforce is made up of farmers from the local region, who before working at Monks Gin were unemployed. They offer training in both farming and hospitality.
Why China?
The spirit industry in China is continuously growing as disposable incomes grow. In 2019, China’s alcohol market reached USD 175 billion! This offers a great opportunity for brands like Monks Gin – who also create a positive social impact in South Africa!
Wine
Ares Aetos Wineries
Ares Aetos Wineries is a South African wine brand, producing its quality, original and unique wines from Stellenbosch.
Wine
Gunbay Wines
Gunbay’s history dates back to 1806 when two 18-pounder smoothbore muzzleloaders were placed on Signal Hill in Cape Town. Gunbay’s story ties into Chinese heritage with the subtle pun for Gun Bay with the traditional Chinese toast for Cheers! Bottoms Up! Dry Cup! – 干杯 Gānbēi.
Gunbay wine is a luxury wine brand with an affordable price tag. Down at the Foot of Africa, the company specialises in producing, unique full-bodied, fruity wines characteristic of the Cape Winelands’ ancient soils, cooling sea breezes and Mediterranean climate.
Wine
Holden Manz Wines
Holden Manz Wine Estate is a small family-owned winery in the renowned Franschhoek Valley, one of South Africa’s top wine regions. Their award-winning are produced using sustainable and environmentally conscious farming methods, including 75KW solar panels to provide energy to the cellar and a 40,000-litre rainwater collection system. Holden Manz has won over 60 awards for its wines in the last 12 years. Holden Manz also have a five-star country house and spa, cellar door tasting room, restaurant and contemporary art gallery!
Why China?
In China, wine represents a symbol of social status and luxury – creating high demand from China’s growing middle-class. In 2014, China surpassed France in total red wine consumption! Additionally, Chinese consumers are willing to spend more money on high-quality wine, presenting a great market opportunity for African wineries.