Founded in 2018 during the Western Cape's historic drought, Matawi set out to redefine celebration through sustainability—crafting premium mead using a fraction of the water conventional spirits require. This purpose-led approach earned Matawi the Investec Award for Most Promising Pitch at Startup School Africa. Today, it thrives as an award-winning African brand rooted in people, planet and legacy.

Matawi partners with small-scale apiarists and natural producers to leverage Africa’s natural bounty – from honey to botanicals, teas, and drought-resistant crops from all corners of the continent – contributing to meaningful economic pathways, while offering conscious consumers a sustainable spirits range that elevates age-old fermentation heritage for contemporary enjoyment.