A customer picks a packet of juice in a supermarket. Kevian Kenya mostly
for the ‘Afia’ and ‘Pick N Peel’ fruit juice brands has invested an
estimated Sh3 billion to upgrade its Thika and Nairobi plants, which are
producing eight variants of the non-alcoholic malt drinks. Photo/FILE
By MUGAMBI MUTEGI
The makers of Highlands bottled water have
diversified into production of soda, in what is set to raise competition
in the industry currently dominated by Coca-Cola and PespiCo.
The Nyeri-based Highlands Mineral Water Company is the
latest firm to venture into manufacturing of soda, following in the
footsteps of Bidco and Kevian Kenya who have also recently joined the
lucrative sector.
Highlands, one of Kenya’s pioneers of bottled
water, is now manufacturing three brands of soda — Cola, Lemon and lime,
and Orange — which are available in 300ml, 500ml and 1.25 litre plastic
bottles.
The 60-year-old company, which until now only
produced bottled water and juices (both concentrates and ready to
drink), is hiring nationwide distributors and stockists of their new
drink.
“We are looking for profit-minded traders with an
established distribution network in retail outlets across Kenya to
distribute club soda,” the firm says in a notice.
“Club soda (is) set to become the next big drink in
the beverage market. You now have a chance to be part of it,” the
newspaper notice states.
The directors of the company declined to speak to the Business Daily
about details of their plans, including the investment amount, only
stating that “we are not ready to talk to the media at this stage, maybe
later.”
Highlands’ ownership remains a closely kept secret.
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