KENYA – African Originals, the makers of popular Kenyan Original (KO) brand of ciders, has ceded a 28.3% equity stake to Mauritius-based Phoenix Beverages Group (PBG).
Beyond KO range of cider products, AOL, is renowned for its unique range of gin and fruit-based beverages and boasts an outstanding reputation for its unique and innovative offerings.
Operating under the brand names KO and 5.8, AOL has successfully carved a niche in the competitive Kenyan market with a diverse product portfolio and an unwavering commitment to quality and originality.
In June this year, AO which prides itself in using local ingredients to make world-class alcoholic beverages, was crowned the Rising Star African Food Company of the Year in Africa at the Africa Food Awards ceremony held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
A few months later, its KO Classic Gin won the Best Alcohol Beverage award while its KO Purple Haze Gin – A collaboration product with Muthaiga Tea- emerged as the Best Premium Beverage at the prestigious 2023 World Beverage Innovation Awards by FoodBev.
Phoenix Beverages Group, a prominent player in the beverage industry with a rich history of serving consumers across the African region, emphasizes excellence and innovation.
Its entry into the Kenyan market through African Originals underscores PBG’s commitment to bolstering its presence across East Africa, aligning seamlessly with its vision to emerge as a key regional player in the beverage industry.
Mr. Bernard Theys, CEO of Phoenix Beverages Group, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic move, stating, “We are excited about our entry into the Kenyan market. AOL’s unique portfolio and dedication to quality seamlessly align with our values. We look forward to collaborating closely with the AOL team and contributing to the sustained success of their brands in Kenya.”
Adapting to the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers, the company continues to expand its footprint, maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, community engagement, and responsible business practices.
This strategic investment not only signifies Phoenix Beverages Group’s commitment to growth but also positions them to leverage AOL’s established market presence in Kenya, contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of the East African beverage landscape.
As PBG strengthens its footprint in the region, consumers can anticipate an even wider array of innovative and quality beverage options.
In 2022, AOL had announced plans to cede a 10 percent stake to customers as it strived to scale up operations through a targeted Kes81.8 million (US$533,768) fundraising.
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