African Originals secures US$2M funding to broaden beverage manufacturing

KENYA – African Originals Ltd (AOL), a Kenyan startup specializing in locally-sourced alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, has raised KES 257.4 million (US$2 million) from worldwide buyers.

The funding shall be used to scale manufacturing, broaden its product line, and develop its presence each in Kenya and past.

In line with Capital Enterprise, the funding got here from Phoenix Drinks Restricted, a Mauritius-based beverage firm, alongside different key buyers corresponding to Chandaria Capital, Perivoli Improvements, and Amaya Capital.

This newest spherical of funding follows a earlier transfer by AOL in 2023, the place it ceded a 28.3 p.c fairness stake to Phoenix Drinks Group (PBG).

Alex Chappatte, CEO of African Originals Ltd, expressed pleasure over this milestone, noting that the funding displays confidence within the firm’s imaginative and prescient.

“With this capital, via our three key manufacturers—Kenyan Originals, African Originals, and 5.8—we’re poised to scale our operations, broaden our product line, and deepen our influence inside the Kenyan market and past,” stated Chappatte.

AOL is thought for crafting drinks utilizing Kenya’s wealthy pure substances, together with tropical fruits, botanicals, herbs, regionally sourced honey, indigenous berries, tea, and occasional.

Chappatte added that AOL stays dedicated to sustainability and supporting native farmers whereas showcasing Kenyan flavors on a worldwide scale.

With the funding, AOL goals to set a benchmark for high quality and creativity, demonstrating that Kenyan manufacturers, like Kenyan Originals, 5.8, and African Originals, can compete on a worldwide scale.

Earlier this yr, the corporate expanded its gin portfolio with the addition of Mara Version gin, complementing its current lineup of spirits, which incorporates KO Traditional Gin and KO Purple Haze Gin.

Throughout the World Gin Awards 2024, AOL obtained the Innovator of the Yr Award, acknowledging the excellence of each the KO Purple Haze Gin and the Mara Gin Version.

AOL additionally clinched the nation winner title within the flavored gin class.