African Originals expands 5.8 Gin brand with launch of new RTD flavors
The new 5.8 Gin & Tonic rtd aim to offer consumers a premium, convenient alternative to traditional gin cocktails.
KENYA – African Originals has officially introduced a new range of Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages under its 5.8 Gin & Tonic brand, expanding its premium cocktail portfolio.
The latest additions come in three distinct flavours: Spiced Orange, The Classic, and Very Berry.
Each variant is crafted with high-quality gin and natural tonic water, delivering a balanced mix of citrus zest and botanical notes.
Designed for convenience and sophistication, the new 330ml canned cocktails contain 5% alcohol by volume, making them ideal for casual and social occasions.
The company stated that the new RTD line offers a refreshing alternative for gin enthusiasts seeking a hassle-free drinking experience. The crisp and flavourful profiles cater to a variety of palates and are now available at retail outlets across Kenya.
Last year, the 5.8 brand was recognised as the most preferred local gin at the 2024 Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards. The launch of the RTD extension aims to build on this success and appeal to a broader consumer base.
Founded in 2018, African Originals continues to focus on crafting unique beverages that highlight African ingredients and traditions.
The brand partners with local farmers to source its raw materials, including mangoes from Makueni, passion fruits from Eldoret, baobab from Kilifi, mint from Kiambu, and botanicals from the Maasai community.
As demand grows for its products—especially the KO cider brand—African Originals is seeking US$2 million in funding to support expansion efforts.
The funding includes US$1 million in equity and US$1 million in debt, aimed at boosting working capital and production capacity. CEO Alexandra Chappatte shared these plans in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to IWSR, Kenya is the third-largest cider market in Africa after South Africa and Mozambique.
While beer volumes in Kenya grew at a modest rate of 1–2% annually over the past decade, cider sales have averaged 7% growth, with projections indicating a 9% compound annual growth rate through 2028.
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