Kegna Beverages launches premium lager Beer
Kegna Beverages debuts KEGNA Premium Lager Beer, blending local heritage with advanced brewing technology and community ownership.
ETHIOPIA – Kegna Beverages S.C., one of Ethiopia’s largest locally owned manufacturing investments, officially launched its flagship product, KEGNA Premium Lager Beer, at a high-profile event in Addis Ababa.
The new lager, with a 5% alcohol-by-volume (ABV) content, is brewed from malted barley, hops, and water. It will be available in 33cl and 50cl bottles, as well as 30-liter kegs, hitting store shelves nationwide by mid-June.
The company’s Chairman and Sinqe Bank CEO, Neway Megerssa, highlighted the strong community support behind the venture, noting that ETB 1.2 billion was raised from the public following the initial announcement.
The name “Kegna,” derived from the Afaan Oromo word meaning “ours,” reflects the brand’s emphasis on public ownership and cultural identity, rooted in the “Oromo Economic Revolution” philosophy promoting regional prosperity through inclusive entrepreneurship.
Situated on a 110-hectare site in Ginchi Town, Oromia Region, the brewery combines state-of-the-art global machinery with local engineering expertise.
Chief Operations Officer Afework Legesse emphasized the company’s focus on quality and cost-efficiency, explaining that one modern machine can replace five traditional ones.
With a current production capacity of three million hectoliters, Kegna Beverages plans to double output to six million hectoliters within four years. Commercial Manager Abiyu Abera described the product as “made of Ethiopia” and a “shared legacy.”
Kegna Beverages operates as a public share company with over 5,000 shareholders, including individuals, cooperatives, and institutions nationwide. The company employs over 250 people and aims to expand its workforce to 1,000.
Beyond beer, Kegna plans to introduce eight additional beverage products, including water, juices, and soft drinks, targeting Ethiopia’s fast-growing FMCG market.
Starting mid-June, KEGNA Premium Lager Beer will be available at bars, butcheries, groceries, and restaurants across the country.
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