Johann Rupert

Photo by Jan Kruger / Getty Images

Cheers! Buying any of these 33 drinks will make Johann Rupert richer

While we’re getting loaded, Johann Rupert is getting loaded – and the richest man in SA has a huge network of financial interests in the liquor industry.

Johann Rupert

Photo by Jan Kruger / Getty Images

When you think about the size of Johann Rupert’s investment empire, it’s enough to boggle the mind. He owns stakes in everything from eNCA and Equus, to FNB and Father Brown. The Stellenbosch-based billionaire also makes a fair wedge out of the booze industry – and whilst you’ve been on the liquor, the 71-year-old has been getting richer.

What is Johann Rupert’s net worth?

The Rupert family, by the way, is worth over $9.64 billion – or R136 billion. And we’re lining his pockets…

But how exactly does it work? Well, Johann Rupert is chairman of Remgro – an investment company founded by his family over six decades ago. The business has become a behemoth, and it’s quite probable that you can’t do a weekly shop without contributing to the money-spinning empire. Boycotting Remgro would be a near-impossibility for many.

What drinks are linked to Johann Rupert?

Over the years, the group has diversified its portfolio, and serves as the holding company for a number of extremely successful businesses in South Africa. Indeed, Remgro is the majority shareholder in Distell – the alcohol producers who give us the likes of Hunters, Klipdrift, and Amarula.

Via a joint venture with Capevin Holdings, Remgro boasts a 31.8% stake in Distell – with voting rights equalling 56.4%. In total, 33 products that belong to the brand are also under the roof of Johann Rupert’s investment vehicle. So the next time you’re getting a little merry on the Old Brown Sherry, South Africa’s richest citizen will be raising a glass too.

Full list of Remgro-owned Distell beverages

Here’s the full list of drinks Johann Rupert has a financial interest in:

  • Hunters
  • Nederburg
  • Savanna
  • Drostdy Hof
  • Klipdrift
  • Paarl Perle
  • Richelieu
  • Sedgwicks Old Brown Sherry
  • Two Oceans
  • JC Le Roux
  • Esprit
  • Scottish Leader
  • Three Ships
  • Durbanville Hills
  • Fleur De Cap
  • Oude Meester
  • Van Ryn’s
  • Knight’s Whisky
  • Obikwa
  • Pongracz
  • Black Bottle
  • Amarula
  • Bunnhabhain
  • Viceroy
  • 4th Street
  • Bain’s
  • Laureat
  • Bernini
  • Allesverloren
  • Autumn Harvest
  • Deanston
  • Cellar Cask
  • Ship