On 25 October, at the Hotel Cardoso, Maputo witnessed the birth of a new landmark on the country’s cultural and gastronomic calendar. The first edition of the Mozambique Beer Expo presented itself as a vibrant celebration of beer culture, bringing together brands, producers, enthusiasts and the curious in a relaxed, informative and thoroughly energising atmosphere. Organised by the Connoisseur Prestige Club, Xonguila Magazine, the Mozambican-German Cultural Centre (CCMA) and A Malta do Vinho, and sponsored by Banco Sólido and the Hotel Cardoso itself, the Expo showed its ambition from the very first moment: to put Mozambique on the map of the sector’s major international events, with an identity of its own and a strong connection with the public.
A first edition that left its mark
The event featured national and international brands that presented their portfolios in creative and engaging ways. HEINEKEN Mozambique, Cervejas de Moçambique (CDM), Maputo Beer Club, Grupo Mega, Superbock, Mafalala Cervejas, Bazaruto Brewing Company, Clau Trading, Gelarte and others created interactive spaces where every visitor could explore flavours, textures, stories and production methods. The boldness was particularly visible in the beers developed exclusively for this edition, such as the balacate tea beer or the surprising strawberry beer. These creations sparked curiosity, stimulated conversation and showed the creative potential of national producers. Throughout the day, participants had a memorable experience, from guided tastings to technical demonstrations, by way of playful challenges and musical moments. The atmosphere was shaped by an ever-curious and participatory public, who moved between the different spaces in search of new aromas, lessons and relaxed encounters.
Knowledge front and centre
The focus on education was one of the pillars of the event. The Beer Talks offered 20-minute sessions on styles, history, ingredients, pairings, portfolio building, marketing and innovation. A brief, direct and accessible format, ideal for awakening interest and deepening knowledge. To reinforce the educational side, the Expo involved INATUR, students from the technical-vocational course at the Portuguese School of Mozambique and students from the Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism of Inhambane, a unit of Eduardo Mondlane University, who travelled from that province to take part. The presence of these groups underlined the importance of bringing the academic sector closer to business dynamics.
The Beer Circuit – Beyond the Glass, a route with ten stations, allowed visitors to follow the entire brewing process, from grains and malting to fermentation, carbonation and the development of styles. Interactive panels, expert explanations and small demonstrations turned the circuit into a genuine sensory and educational journey.
A lively, diverse and vibrant festival
The main stage brought moments of great excitement, from the opening ceremony to the performances by Matilde Conjo and the band Manga Rosa and the sets by DJ Amanda and DJ Degroeth. The music, combined with the relaxed atmosphere and the Hotel Cardoso’s privileged view, lifted the spirit of the event. At the food court, dishes inspired by beer were presented, favouring simple, flavour-packed pairings. The Instagrammable zones, the beer games and the space devoted to art and sustainability completed a scenography designed to surprise and entertain. The decoration, inspired by the great beer fests, combined rustic elements with the brands’ branding, creating a welcoming and memorable setting.
The start of a tradition
The feedback was remarkably positive. The success of the debut has raised the bar for future editions, which will face the challenge of maintaining and surpassing the level shown. The Mozambique Beer Expo is born with the ambition of becoming an annual event, always in October, aligned with the sector’s major international events. This first edition showed that Mozambique has the space, talent and audience to build a reference of its own in the world of beer. The country thus gains a new tradition. An event that combines entertainment and knowledge celebrates local innovation and reinforces pride in Mozambican creativity.
