Businesswoman and media personality Bonang Matheba’s luxury beverage brand, House of BNG, is trending on social media after its dramatic price drop at one of the country’s prominent retail stores.
IS HOUSE OF BNG NOT DOING WELL?
Bonang launched House of BNG in 2019, with the introduction of its Brut and Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classiques (MCCs). Initially, the premium beverage brand was sold for R399.99 per bottle at Woolworths.
The brand was doing exceptionally well until lately, when X users learned that its price had dropped significantly. Controversial blogger Musa Khawula reports that House of BNG is now being sold for R99.99 per bottle at Woolworths.
“Bonang Matheba’s House of BNG suffers a major price reduction. House of BNG has been reduced twice at Woolworth’s this month alone. From its regular selling price of R399.99 to R199.99 and now being reduced to clear at R99.99 per bottle,” he wrote.
It is unclear why House of BNG has been reduced to clear, and Bonang has not yet issued a statement or response regarding this. Perhaps she is developing a plan to enhance the brand’s strategy.
X USERS REACT TO HOUSE OF BNG’S PRICE DROP
Khawula’s reports has ignited a huge discussion online. X users are weighing in on the brand’s price reduction, with some arguing that the beverage brand was overpriced, which may have led to the clearance sale.
Some think that the media personality’s lack of thorough promotion of the brand and low sales have led to its sudden price drop.
@Dr_Shiyaklenga wrote “This is what happens to non-patriotic celebrities. You can expect South Africans to support you while you don’t use your influence to support them on issues like drugs, illegal immigrants, unemployment, corruption etc. We are tired of being the ATM of these useless celebrities. We are doing away with leeches. Power”
@khandizwe_chris wrote “I feel like she wasn’t pushing it enough lately”
@siya6888 wrote “If you want to really make money in the wine market in SA you have to compete with abo Robertsons and Fourth Street. Why didn’t they have a cheaper version of BNG when they know the market for wines is as big as beers and ciders?”
@pharudikabelo wrote “There’s just a decline in sales everywhere, people don’t have money”
The entrepreneur is not the first South African celebrity to face accusations of overpricing her alcoholic brand. Media personality Boity Thulo has also faced criticism for the steep prices of her alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider line.
In 2021, Boity her brand introduced BT Signature, a range of premium sparkling fruit beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. During the launch, the brand was sold at Shoprite Liquor stores across the country, with the non-alcoholic four-pack priced at R99.95 and the alcoholic four-pack at R119.95.
Social media users said the brand was overpriced in comparison to other sparkling fruit beverages.