AFRICA'S NO.1 FOOD, BEVERAGE & MILLING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

Rampant illicit alcohol trade dents economic gains in Uganda registering US$433m loss in taxes

Oct 16, 2021Oct 16, 2021 Editor

UGANDA – The Illicit alcohol trade has been rampant across the globe at the expense of the legitimate alcohol manufacturers who contribute not only to the exchequer but also create thousands of job opportunities. Other than looking at the economic implications of the illicit trade, consumers’ health is at a risk as the illicit market continues to predominantly supply beverages that often lack proper certification from standards agencies. According to a recently launched report by the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association, between 2017-2021, the value market size of illicit alcoholic drinks…

Kenya’s alcohol sector players lobby for increased operating hours to aid industry recovery

Oct 15, 2021Oct 15, 2021 Editor

KENYA – The Alcohol Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) has petitioned the government to increase the operating period of bars by two hours in the wake of falling Covid-19 infection rates. According to the liquor traders’ representative, a further two hours of operations by the outlets and other entertainment joints will serve to cushion the hit on the industry. The Association is backing its push on the recent fall in the COVID-19 positivity rate which has averaged below five per cent. “Abak notes the Covid-19 positivity rate in the last…

Heineken extends dominance in Nigeria beer market with potential Champion Breweries takeover

Oct 13, 2021Oct 13, 2021 Editor

NIGERIA – Heineken NV, the world’s second-largest brewer has launched a mandatory takeover bid for Nigeria based Champions Breweries, seeking to buyout the remaining 15.3% equity stake. The Dutch brewing company, made the offer through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Raysun Nigeria Limited, Heineken N.V, and plans to purchase up to 1,196,799,164 ordinary shares from the other shareholders of Champions Breweries. This is according to a recent notice signed by the Chairman of Champions Breweries Plc., Dr Elijah Akpan, and filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), reports Nairametrics. The move comes…

Coca-Cola HBC pledges net-zero emissions by 2040, announces US$289m investment in emission reduction initiatives

Oct 12, 2021Oct 13, 2021 Editor

SWITZERLAND – Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, the third-largest Coca-Cola anchor bottler in the world, has made a commitment to reduce emissions to net-zero across its entire value chain by 2040. To achieve this goal, the Zug, Switzerland-based bottler has committed to invest €250m ($289m) in emissions reduction initiatives by 2025. Part of the funds will go towards facilitating the company’s transition to 100% renewable electricity and low carbon energy sources. Coca-Cola HBC also plans to invest in continuous improvements and innovations in energy efficiency to further reduce the carbon footprint…

AB InBev fishes out for innovative ideas through Beer Garage Africa Innovation Challenge

Oct 12, 2021Oct 12, 2021 Editor

AFRICA – AB InBev, world’s renowned beer company, AB InBev has partnered with Hindsight Ventures to launch the Beer Garage Africa Innovation Challenge, which will offer startups access to venture development and grant funding. With over 500 brands and over six million B2B customers in over 100 countries, AB InBev launched Beer Garage a few years ago with the objective of driving innovation by building a strong community of ecosystem stakeholders. As part of this initiative, the beer major is now launching the Beer Garage Africa Innovation Challenge, a pan-African…

Diageo to expand tequila production capacity with US$500m investment in new facilities in Mexico

Oct 8, 2021Oct 8, 2021 Editor

MEXICO – British multinational brewing company Diageo is investing about US$500 million in expanding its tequila production in Mexico amid surging demand for the Mexican alcoholic drink. According to a statement from the company, the funds will be used in building new facilities in the State of Jalisco where Tequila is widely believed to have originated. The name Tequila is actually a regional-specific name for a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila which is located in Jalisco. Construction of the new…

EABL adopts new identity, unveils new US$99m corporate bond to fund operations

Oct 7, 2021Oct 7, 2021 Editor

KENYA – Regional alcohol manufacturer, East African Breweries Limited, has changed its name to East African Breweries PLC with effect from 1st October 2021. The PLC tag designates a company that has offered shares of stock to the general public, who have limited liability. ”Pursuant to the issuance of certificate of change of name by the Register of Companies, the firm has changed its name from East African Breweries Limited to East African Breweries Plc,” it said in statement. The brewer has also announced the issuance of a Ksh. 11…

Danny Celoni to succeed Peter Filipovic as CEO of Carlton & United Breweries

Oct 7, 2021Oct 7, 2021 Editor

AUSTRALIA – Beverage industry veteran Danny Celoni has been appointed by Asahi Beverages as the CEO designate of Australian brewing company Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), effective February 2022. Mr. Celoni will succeed Peter Filipovic who will continue to serve the Australian brewer as CEO untill his term elapses in February next year. Danny has had an illustrious career in the beverage industry that spans over 25 years. He commenced his beverages career with Diageo in 1996 where he rose, over a 17-year career, to become Commercial Director for Australia, NZ & South Pacific. In his time with…

Namibia Breweries in discussion for possible disposal of minority stake in Heineken South Africa to parent company

Oct 4, 2021Oct 4, 2021 Editor

NAMIBIA – Namibia’s leading beer maker Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has received an offer from Heineken NV to acquire its 25% shareholding in Heineken South Africa, which would be inter-conditional on the potential Distell transaction. Earlier this year, the Dutch multinational brewing company Heineken, made its intention of entering new alcohol market categories of wine and spirits, with the acquisition of Distell, South Africa’s leading producer and maker of wines, ciders, spirit and ready-to-drink beverages. The potential transaction, should it proceed, is subject to several conditions, one of which relates…

Alcohol shortage looms in India’s Delhi state as private liquor stores shut down

Oct 3, 2021Oct 3, 2021 Editor

INDIA – India’s national capital Delhi is facing a possible shortage of alcohol supply shortage after the 260 privately-run liquor shops closed down on September 30. Under its new excise policy, the Delhi government ordered the closure of private liquor stores and has allocated fresh licenses to private firms for 850 shops that will enter the retail business from November 17. During the one and half month transition period, only government stores – which number about 460- will remain operational creating fears of alcohol shortage among residents. Naresh Goel, president of…