East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has reported Ksh109.4 billion in net sales for the full year ended 30th June 2022, representing a 27% growth compared to the same period last year, as the business marks 100 years of operation in the region.
The Group’s net sales were boosted by double-digit growth across all its markets and categories owing to an improved operating environment as outlets reopened, coupled with sustained investment behind marketing and commercial activities. EABL navigated rising inflation and increase in excise taxes through strategic pricing and effective cost management to deliver its highest profit in five years of Ksh15.6 billion, up 124%.
EABL delivered a strong beer performance, up 27%, aided by the beer recovery in Kenya. The Group’s spirits category was up 26%, boosted by a 27% growth in mainstream spirits.
EABL Group MD and CEO, Ms. Jane Karuku, said: “EABL has delivered another set of consistent strong results across key metrics. These results reflect the high-performance culture we have created across the business, the rigorous execution of our strategy, the strength of our portfolio across categories and our agility in responding to emerging trends and insights.”
Full-year Market Highlights
- Kenya: EABL’s largest market, Kenya, delivered 30 percent net sales growth, mainly on the back of strong beer recovery and continued growth in spirits – fuelled by premium and upper mainstream segments.
- Uganda: Net sales grew 24 percent supported by the market’s excellent route to consumer execution and brilliant brand building. Uganda also benefited from accelerated margin expansion through strategic pricing actions.
- Tanzania: Net sales grew 21 percent, driven by consistent growth of the Serengeti Trademark and an expanded brand portfolio. Local production of spirits helped deliver further incremental growth, cementing the business as a total beverage alcohol player.
“Although these results show we are now ahead of our pre-COVID growth trajectory, the challenging macro-economic environment, volatile tax and regulatory policy will continue to impact our business,” Ms Karuku said. “Yet, our sharp focus on executing against our strategy, supported by an external focus, data-led insights and a culture of everyday efficiency will help us navigate current and future headwinds. As we celebrate 100 years of EABL’s operations in the region, we believe we are well positioned to deliver sustainable long-term growth.”
She said EABL’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda remained a key focus in the year with finalisation of the Ksh5 billion biomass plant being a key milestone.
“This facility will help us achieve net zero status, reducing our carbon emissions by 42,000 metric tonnes annually. Our water stewardship has continued, as we replenished over 360,000 cubic metres of water during the year across East Africa. Our positive drinking efforts have reached over 17 million people, as we continue to focus more sharply on long-term projects aimed at combating underage drinking and encouraging responsible drinking to those in the legal purchase age. We also launched our inaugural and award-winning sustainability report during the year,” added Ms Karuku.
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