Latest news with #CarlingBlackLabel
The South African
27-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Sundowns launch campaign with 'African champion'
After recently wrapping up their eighth successive league title, Sundowns – who are hoping to lift the CAF Champions League trophy this weekend – have now made another big announcement. At a special launch event on Tuesday, Carling Black Label – Africa's 'Champion Beer' – was not only officially named the South African beer sponsor for the FIFA Club World Cup, but also confirmed their official backing of Mamelodi Sundowns. The announcement also revealed a score predictor campaign, inviting fans to log their predictions for each of the tournament's matches at or via USSD by dialling * 120* 660#. This campaign will launch formally on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, and will enable supporters to unlock a chance to win a share of more than R1 million in prizes, airtime rewards, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the Champions of the FIFA Club World Cup at their next home game. This announcement comes hot on the heels of several other major announcements made by Mamelodi Sundowns in recent weeks, which have included partnerships with vehicle sponsor Chery South Africa, supplements partner Biogen and mobile partner Huawei. The deal with Carling – made in partnership with Roc Nation Sports International – is another indication of Sundowns' commercial success off the field, which mirrors the club's on-field achievements. Steve Komphela , Senior Coach at Mamelodi Sundowns FC, reflected on the synergy between the club and the brand: 'This partnership is a meeting of champions — grounded in aligned values, backed by performance, and driven by the people. Carling Black Label understands the heartbeat of South African football. They've stood by fans and supporters for decades, and now they're standing with Mamelodi Sundowns as we take African excellence to the world. We are proud to have an award-winning brand backing us on this journey.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Champion moms raising new order of champions
'We bought him so many shoes. But there were always holes in them,' said Mduduzi's mom. Mduduzi Shabalala's mom is proud that his son is living his dream at Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Carling Black Label has paid tribute to the women who raised champions — the mothers behind South Africa's most promising footballers. Released across the brand's digital platforms during one of the country's most high-profile football moments, a new video message turned the spotlight away from match results and onto the real foundation of greatness: family. ALSO READ: Chiefs midfielder yet to discuss new Amakhosi deal As part of its ongoing Champion Moms initiative, the brand collaborated with two players from the Soweto Giants — Mduduzi Shabalala and Thalente Mbatha — to honour the women who raised, believed in, and inspired them. Before Mduduzi wore the Amakhosi jersey, he was a young boy with a ball and a dream. His mother remembers how that dream first began to show itself. 'We bought him so many shoes. But there were always holes in them,' she recalls. 'That's how we knew — wherever he was, he was playing football. That's where it all began.' For Thalente's mother, her son's journey was marked by a name that carried meaning from the very beginning. 'When they asked me what I would name him, I just said Thalente,' she says. 'I don't know why. I think it was my way of manifesting that he would be talented.' These reflections form part of a heartfelt digital tribute that blends quiet, personal moments with words that resonate across generations. In one scene, Mduduzi surprises his mother at home: 'What are you doing here?' she asks. 'I came to visit you,' he replies. Her response is brief, but full of history: 'Thank you so much for everything you have done for the family. I love you.' 'I love you very much,' Mduduzi answers. A similar moment unfolds between Thalente and his mother. 'Is it really you?' she asks with disbelief. 'I am very proud of you and the person you have become.' To which he replies: 'You are my champion too, Ma. I love you.' The content piece is part of the broader #ChampionWords campaign, which invites South Africans to reflect on the most impactful advice or encouragement they've received from their mothers. Throughout the week, selected messages from fans will appear on digital billboards across the country — turning everyday public spaces into living love letters. Kerryn Greenleaf, Brand Director for Carling Black Label, explains the campaign's purpose: 'We live in a country where mothers are the first teachers, the first believers, the first protectors. This campaign isn't about football glory — it's about the unseen work of mothering, and the words that keep us going long after we leave home.' In the final moments of the video, respected commentator Baba Mthethwa delivers a closing line that echoes well beyond the screen: 'A mother's love is unrivalled. End of the story.'
News24
08-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Corona, Stella gain traction in SA, with AB Inbev stealing market share
While AB Inbev saw declining volumes in South Africa, it reported market share gains in the first quarter of the year. Its Corona and Stella Artois brands saw strong local sales. The group's profit beat forecasts by a large margin. For more financial news, go to the News24 Business front page. Anheuser-Busch InBev says its brands took market share from competitors in South Africa, with Corona and Stella Artois seeing solid sales growth in the country in the first quarter. Still, the Belgium-headquartered giant reported a volume decline of 'low single digits' (below 5%) in South Africa, where its brands include Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, and Flying Fish. Along with others in the industry, the quarter was affected by the late Easter holidays, which this year fell later in April. Its 'Beyond Beer' brands – primarily Brutal Fruit – saw volume growth of mid-single digits, while Corona and Stella Artois volumes were up in the low-teens (10% to 14%). AB Inbev reported estimated market share gains in both beer and Beyond Beer. Last month, its main local competitor, Heineken, reported that its SA beer and cider volumes declined by a high single digit, 'behind a market characterised by an aggressive promotional environment'. The group owns brands like Amstel and Savanna. In South Africa, AB Inbev's revenue and profit before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by low-single digits. Across the world, the group reported a nearly 8% rise in first-quarter operating profit, which was more than double what analysts expected, Reuters reported. Its share price gained 3% in morning trading on the JSE, and is now up 40% since mid-January. The group's revenue rose 1.5% as it benefited from price hikes, even as its volumes declined by more than 2%. Sales in the US and China struggled, but South America performed well. Corona was a stand-out brand, increasing revenue by more than 11% outside of Mexico with double-digit volume growth in more than 30 markets.
