As a trusted food grade CO2 supplier in South Africa, YIGAS delivers certified 99.9% purity CO₂ for the beverage, food, and brewing sectors. Our CO₂ ensures safety, consistency, and performance in every batch you produce.
Overview: South Africa’s Growing Demand for Food-Grade CO₂
Food-grade carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays a vital role in the production of soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and sparkling beverages.
In South Africa, beverage manufacturers rely heavily on consistent CO₂ supply to maintain carbonation quality, packaging efficiency, and freshness standards.
As of 2025, demand for CO₂ in the food & beverage sector continues to increase — driven by rising consumer demand for carbonated beverages and the expansion of local breweries.
However, supply fluctuations and import bottlenecks have pushed businesses to seek stable, high-purity CO₂ suppliers with export experience.
Market Trends: CO₂ Supply & Production in South Africa (2025)
According to the 6Wresearch South Africa Liquefied CO₂ Market Outlook 2025–2031, the national CO₂ consumption is expected to grow at over 4.5% CAGR.
Food & beverage remains the leading downstream sector, accounting for nearly 40% of total CO₂ usage.
In 2025, several industrial gas companies have expanded local CO₂ plants around Johannesburg and Cape Town, improving supply resilience.
However, during seasonal peaks (especially in summer), bottlers and breweries still face challenges such as shipment delays and purity inconsistency.
Packaging & Specifications for Food-Grade CO₂
Below are standard packaging options for importing food-grade CO₂ from China to South Africa’s food and beverage sector.
| Packaging Type | Capacity / Size | Typical Pressure | Purity Grade | Typical Use in F&B | Lead Time (to South Africa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10–50L Seamless Cylinders | 10–50 L | 150–200 bar | ≥ 99.9% (Food-grade) | Small bottlers, kegging lines, lab use | 7–21 days (air/courier local refill) |
| Cylinder Bundles / Skids | 12×50L – 24×50L | 150 bar | ≥ 99.9% | Medium-sized plants & seasonal demand | 14–30 days |
| ISO Tank (Liquid CO₂) | 20,000–24,000 L | ≤ 10 bar (liquid) | ≥ 99.5% | Large bottlers, breweries | 30–60+ days (by sea) |
| Dry Ice (Blocks / Pellets) | Blocks / 10–20 kg bags | N/A | Food-grade | Cold chain, frozen food transport | Local production or import (varies) |
*All products meet international food-contact safety standards and are supplied with Certificate of Analysis (COA) and MSDS.
How to Choose a Reliable CO₂ Supplier in South Africa
When selecting a CO₂ supplier for food or beverage production, ensure:
- Verified Purity & Certification: 99.9% purity with COA, ISO and HACCP compliance.
- Packaging Flexibility: Choose between cylinders, bundles, or ISO tanks depending on scale and logistics.
- Stable Delivery Schedule: Reliable port-to-plant transport with CO₂ refill and return systems.
- After-Sales Support: Technical consultation, requalification of cylinders, and safety documentation.
For importers and distributors, partnering with a supplier experienced in sea freight CO₂ exports ensures smoother customs clearance and shorter downtime during seasonal peaks.
Common Supply Risks and How to Mitigate Them
South Africa’s CO₂ market can experience fluctuations caused by refinery maintenance, shipping delays, or dry ice demand spikes.
These may affect beverage carbonation and packaging lines.
To minimize risk:
- Maintain a dual sourcing plan with regional and imported supply.
- Secure seasonal supply contracts with defined buffer stock levels.
- Use ISO tanks for long-term inventory and onsite vaporization systems.
Industry Update 2025: Local Expansion and Import Trends
Recent investments by industrial gas producers in South Africa’s Midlands and Western Cape regions are enhancing the domestic CO₂ capacity.
However, bottlers and brewers continue to rely on imported liquid CO₂ to ensure uninterrupted operations during seasonal peaks.
FAQ — About Food-Grade CO₂ in South Africa
1. What is the typical purity for food-grade CO₂?
Food-grade CO₂ generally meets ≥99.9% purity (gas) or ≥99.5% (liquid), verified by COA and chromatography testing.
2. What are the main delivery options?
Compressed gas cylinders, ISO tanks (bulk liquid), and dry ice shipments are the most common options for food & beverage companies.
3. Can YIGAS export CO₂ to South Africa?
Yes. YIGAS offers food-grade (99.9%) CO₂ exported from certified plants in China, delivered to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other ports.
Looking for Food-Grade CO₂ Supplier in South Africa?
Contact YIGAS GROUP to get technical specifications, packaging options, and delivery schedules.
Learn more about South Africa’s CO₂ standards from South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
