Rwanda: Bralirwa launches new stout to compensate for lost distribution of Guinness

Rwanda’s leading brewer, Bralirwa lost rights to produce and distribute Guinness after its contract with East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) expired in 2013, SPY Ghana reported on February 10.

Speaking during the launch of a new stout named Legend at the firm’s offices in Kicukiro on February 6, Jonathan Hall, the Bralirwa managing director, said they expect the new brand to compete favourably on the market, and improve their beer sales.

“We were sad that Guinness left our beer brands, but we promised (then) to replace it as we have done today,” Hall said of the beer that costs Rwf500.

Bralirwa, which is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, produces such beer brands as Primus, Mutzig, and Turbo King.

The other local beer manufacturer, Unibra, the makers of Skol and Gatanu, currently controls about 14 per cent of the Rwandan market.

11 February, 2015