KENYA – African Originals Ltd (AOL), the creators of the well-known Kenyan Original (KO) brand of ciders, has introduced its latest addition, the Mara Edition Gin, as part of a strategic initiative to reinforce its position in the beverage market.
Mara Gin, symbolizing Kenyan heritage and craftsmanship, features botanicals carefully selected from the Northern Mara by Maasai artisans. Each bottle is adorned with a beaded top crafted by Maasai women, adding a touch of cultural heritage and artistry to the product.
The new gin joins the existing spirits portfolio, which includes 58, KO Classic gin, and KO Purple Haze gin, along with the craft beer brands Kenyan Originals and African Originals.
Additionally, AOL received notable recognition at the World Gin Awards 2024, securing two prestigious awards.
The company was honored with the Innovator of the Year Award, acknowledging the excellence of both the KO Purple Haze Gin and the Mara Gin Edition. AOL also clinched the country winner title in the flavored gin category.
Meanwhile, the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved a deal allowing Mauritius-based Phoenix Beverages Ltd (PBL), a subsidiary of IBL Ltd, to acquire a minority control in African Originals.
AOL recently ceded a 28.15 percen equity stake to PBL in a move aimed at scaling up operations. The CAK stated that the transaction, valued at over KSh. 1 billion, is unlikely to negatively impact competition in the alcoholic beverages market.
“The transaction is unlikely to negatively impact competition in the market for manufacture, processing, distribution, and sale of alcoholic ciders, alcoholic spirits, and non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages,” mentioned the CAK in a statement.
The deal, considered a merger due to PBL’s acquisition of minority controlling rights, received regulatory approval.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. HERE
