Winter in South Africa has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a backyard braai around the fire, a rugby watch party, Sunday lunch with family or a milestone celebration, the colder months invite us to slow down, reconnect and make the moments together count.
While the occasions may differ, one thing remains constant: South Africans value togetherness. Increasingly, people are also becoming more intentional about choosing beverages that suit their guests, the setting and the occasion, rather than simply buying for quantity.
For a braai or rugby watch party, that could mean serving a selection of beers or ciders alongside good food and alcohol-free alternatives. A Sunday lunch may call for wine, while a special bottle of whisky or another premium spirit might be better suited to a milestone celebration or a slower winter evening.
NielsenIQ research points to the evolving nature of beverage occasions and the importance of matching drinks with different times of day, food occasions and consumer preferences. It reflects a more considered approach to entertaining, where the quality of the experience takes precedence over excess.
Food remains at the heart of South African winter gatherings. From slow-cooked stews and curries to potjiekos and braai favourites, sharing a meal creates connection while positioning alcohol as one part of the occasion rather than its focus.
This winter, TOPS at SPAR is giving South Africans another reason to celebrate with Everyone Wins, running until 7 October 2026. The campaign makes every day social occasions more rewarding, giving qualifying shoppers a guaranteed prize from a reward pool worth over R500 million.
To redeem their guaranteed prizes, shoppers need to purchase a participating product and spend R200 or more at TOPS at SPAR. SPAR2U shoppers can also enter using their qualifying digital receipt.
Rewards span Epic Entertainment, Epic Hosting, Epic Escapes, Epic Eats and Epic Experiences, with prizes across dining, entertainment, travel and accommodation. Qualifying purchases also come with 200MB of free SPAR Mobile data, adding another win to the shop. The full campaign mechanics, participating products and terms and conditions are available on the Everyone Wins campaign page.
The focus on added value is particularly relevant as households continue to think carefully about where their money goes. Statistics South Africa estimates that households spent approximately R3 trillion during the 2022/23 Income and Expenditure Survey period. Against this backdrop, memorable occasions don’t need to be bigger or more extravagant. Often, it is the thought behind the gathering that matters most.
Thoughtful hosting can make all the difference. Winter gatherings often stretch across an afternoon or evening, making it important to serve substantial food, keep water readily available, provide alcohol-free alternatives and arrange safe transport home. Offering a range of choices also helps ensure that every guest feels considered and included.
“What ultimately defines these winter gatherings is not what is being consumed, but what is being shared,” says Anna-Marie Marks, National Marketing Manager – Liquor at TOPS at SPAR. “Whether it’s conversations around the table, cheering on your favourite team or reconnecting with family over a home-cooked meal, these are the moments people remember.”
“That is also what Everyone Wins is about – adding something extra to the occasions South Africans are already creating, while encouraging everyone to enjoy them responsibly,” concludes Marks.
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Author: Noluthando Nonhlanhla Zuma from Magna Carta on behalf of TOPS @ SPAR.
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