Homegrown KZN beverage scoops multiple national and international taste awards

Mzansi Mango flavour gets double gold as water brand, aQuellé, continues to innovate for South African consumers.

It’s been an award-winning season for one of KwaZulu-Natal's biggest beverage success stories, aQuellé. The homegrown brand is celebrating a double achievement after receiving multiple accolades at the Aurora International Taste Challenge and South African Food & Beverage Awards.

Competing alongside hundreds of the best food and beverage products judged by independent industry experts, aQuellé secured awards across three of its best-loved products, with its proudly South African Mzansi Mango Flavoured Sparkling Drink earning the highest accolade – Double Gold – at both prestigious competitions.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Lord for receiving this recognition from two respected industry award programmes, and it confirms we’re achieving our goal of delivering products that consumers genuinely enjoy," says Sharon Combrink, marketing manager.

"From the start, our natural spring water has been a favourite among South Africans, and we continue to grow on this popularity by developing our flavoured beverage range according to local tastes. These awards recognise our team’s dedication to quality and innovation, which is truly an honour!”

The 2026 award winners

Held alongside one another, the Aurora International Taste Challenge (AITC) and the South African Food & Beverage Awards celebrate excellence in the international and South African food and beverage industries, recognising outstanding quality and taste. The independent judging processes evaluate products on various criteria, making the recognition particularly significant for retailers, wholesalers, and hospitality operators looking to stock trusted brands.

Aurora International Taste Challenge & South African Food & Beverage Awards

• Double Gold – aQuellé Mzansi Mango Flavoured Sparkling Drink.
• Gold – aQuellé STILL Lemon-Mint Flavoured Drink
• Silver – aQuellé Sparkling Natural Spring Water

Perhaps the biggest success story at this year's awards is Mzansi Mango.

“It was originally introduced as a limited-edition flavour inspired by consumer votes, but its popularity exceeded expectations!” notes Combrink. “Our consumers quickly embraced the uniquely South African flavour profile so enthusiastically that we decided Mzansi Mango should become a permanent fixture in the aQuellé range.” Alongside Mzansi Mango, STILL Lemon-Mint Flavoured Drink continues attracting consumers wanting a refreshing still beverage with added vitamins and low in kilojoules, while Sparkling Natural Spring Water remains a trusted choice for naturally sourced hydration.

A KwaZulu-Natal success story

From its origins in Kranskop following the discovery of a pristine natural spring in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal nearly three decades ago, aQuellé has grown into one of South Africa's most recognised bottled water and flavoured drinks brands.

Today, the company supplies millions of beverages annually, having expanded its footprint with a second factory in Franschhoek and a third state-of-the-art facility in Kranskop. The heart of aQuellé is to invest in surrounding communities, support local employment and partner with schools, sporting events and charitable initiatives to make a difference in the lives of the people of South Africa.