I am doing my best to buy our groceries without single use packaging, which can be tricky, but as I look around it is getting easier and easier.

I use a lot of vinegar and have been buying it in the usual 2 liter plastic bottle from Pick n Pay or Checkers, at about R18-R20 depending on specials. Which price wise, is not bad at all, but my main irritation was all the plastic and shopping trips.  I only grocery shop about every two weeks, except for my milk which I get from a little local shop twice a week.

I was just over it and wanted to find a place where I could fill up my own jar (unlikely in SA) or buy in bigger quantities.  One Google search for “bulk vinegar south africa” and there it was!

Cecil Vinegar Works can be found in Alrode, Gauteng and Strand, Western Cape. The sell a variety of vinegar in 25litre polycan, which you pay a deposit on.

They stock apple cider vinegar,  balsamic vinegar, white and brown grape vinegar, rice vinegar, white and brown malt vinegar, red & white wine vinegar.

I bought a 25 litre white vinegar for R62.06 with a polycan deposit of R42.54, excluding VAT.  Total price R119.25. So that is less than half the price of buying it in those 2 litre bottles, less plastic and a lot less shopping time as I won’t have to buy for ages now! Win, win, win!

Please note that these prices were correct as of the day I bought it, in Gauteng in December 2015.  Prices are subject to change. Get in touch with them beforehand to order and make payment.  Remember they are a huge busy depot supplying larger chains, so best that us individuals get in and out sharpish so as not to get in their way!

Cecil Vinegar Works
17 Jurie Street, Alrode, Gauteng, 1451, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 864 4700
Fax: +27 (0)11 864 2561

36 Chilwan Crescent, Helderberg Industrial Park, Strand, Western Cape, 7140, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 845 4001
Fax: +27 (0)86 518 5000
Email: info@naturalvinegar.co.za