BUSINESS

KBL Gives Maasai Name to First Brand at New Sh1.2B Microbrewery

Share
Jane Karuku EABL MD - KBL Microbrewery
EABL Group CEO and MD Jane Karuku seen here at the production line at the company’s microbrewery in Ruaraka. (Photo: Courtesy)
Share

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has kicked off production at its Ksh1.2 billion microbrewery, a new production facility next to its main plant in Ruaraka established to explore innovation and experimentation.

The company has rolled out its first commercial product brand from the site whose ground was broken in May last year. The first brand off the new production line, Manyatta, is a new 100% apple cider, produced alongside three flavoured variants: Mango & Ginger; Lemon & Ginger; and Pineapple & Mint. They will be available on the market soon.

>> How Loans Defaulters are Using Courts to Frustrate Banks 

The new microbrewery in Ruaraka is aimed at helping the business to extend its innovation capability and to meet consumers’ changing tastes and preferences. Its construction was part of events to mark the 100-year anniversary of East African Breweries Plc (EABL).

“While we reflect and honour the past, we are passionate about nurturing categories old and new, and about building authentically crafted, culturally relevant brands,” EABL Group Chief Executive and Managing Director, Ms Jane Karuku, said. “We move at pace with the latest trends, creating products, tastes and experiences for people to enjoy as part of celebrations big or small.”

She said EABL upholds sustainability through use of old worn Tusker glass in the finishing and ensuring that all the site waste will be recyclable. In addition, the factory can recover 30% of the water used in the process – which underpins its deliberate efforts to be sustainable by design.

KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti said the Kenyan consumer is increasingly discerning, “meaning we must be flexible and providing them with the variety they need.” With this microbrewery, EABL hopes to combine data, insights and innovation with the creative flair these consumers expect, as the custodian of some of the most iconic brands.

“This will be a centre of innovation and experimentation and it will liberate master brewers’ craftmanship to deliver what the consumers need,” Mr Ocitti  says.

The microbrewery features a taste room where visitors will learn about and sample the various brews on offer, with sensory experts at hand to take them through the processes.

There will also be a taproom, consisting of a bar and restaurant, where consumers can get unique, engaging experiences on new innovations. It also features a world-class beer garden with a scenic view of the Ruaraka area and the environment in which EABL’s founders established the original brewery a century ago.

>> Businessman Who Invested Sh99 Earns Sh27 Million in Six Hours

Written by
BT Correspondent -

editor [at] businesstoday.co.ke

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us

Related Articles
Ibrahim Ambwere wealth
BUSINESS

How Luhya Tycoon Stopped StanChart Bank From Closing Kakamega Branch

When Standard Chartered Bank mapped out branches to close down some six...

Does Airtel Have Airtel paybill services in kenya today
BUSINESS

Airtel Money Goes Big on Growing Paybill Payments

Airtel Paybill: Airtel Money has on 5th December announced ‘Rudishiwa transaction fee’...

People Daily goes digital
BUSINESSMEDIA

Why Uhuru Kenyatta Has Shut Down 32-Year-Old People Daily Newspaper

The People Daily, the ad-supported free newspaper for 10 years, has been...

GT bank Kenya branches
BUSINESS

To Mark 10 Years, GTBank Kenya Launches Interest-Earning Account for SMEs

Over the past decade, GTBank Kenya says it has remained committed to...