African Originals expands horizons with launch of Ciders in Uganda
Partnering with Vicland Distributors Uganda, the company is introducing six unique cider flavors through both on-trade and off-trade retail channels.
UGANDA – African Originals, a Kenyan-based company specialising in premium craft beverages, has partnered with Vicland Distributors Uganda to launch its premium craft cider range.
According to the company, the six cider flavours that will be available in Uganda are Pineapple and mint, Passion and lime, Lime and ginger, Mango and chilli, Honey and lemon, Tropical Mix, and Hibiscus and lime.
It stated that the African Originals craft ciders use locally sourced ingredients from across the continent, including tropical fruits, tea, honey, botanicals, and indigenous berries, while supporting local farmers.
Alex Chappatte, founder and chief executive of African Originals, said: “We believe the cider category has huge potential for growth across East Africa, as affluent consumers look for bold, authentic brands that incorporate a range of natural local ingredients.
“We are now the leading cider brand in Kenya, and we’re excited to bring that portfolio to Uganda, where we’ve identified a significant appetite for premium ciders.”
African Originals recognised as Rising Star African Company
Recently, the maker of popular Kenyan Originals Cider was awarded the Rising Star African Food Company of the Year in Africa at the Africa Food Awards ceremony held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
Alexandra Chappatte launched the firm that crafts beverages using local farmers’ ingredients.
Chappatte pointed out that the company started in a production site located in Meru in a container and has since expanded to have four godowns in the country’s Industrial Area.
It is based in Nairobi’s Baba Ndogo area and has three brands under Africa Originals, including Kenyan Originals, African Originals, and 58.
Kenyan Originals was started with seed funding from Alex and Chandaria Capital, the first investors. The company then brought on board more investors to advise and support it in the industry.
In an interview with TechTrends KE, Chappatte said she ventured into the beverage space because, like any other industry, the Kenyan industry is ripe for disruption.
”You know, you have a significant monopoly in this space and there are very few markets in the world where it’s still at that level. And that means there isn’t a real choice for the consumer because if you only have one key player in that space, there’s no one challenging what that player is offering,” she said.
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