Kenyan craft beverages producer African Originals has secured $2m in funding, as it looks to scale its local and global operations.
Founded in 2018, African Originals produces ten SKUs that include ciders, gins, mixers and iced teas.
The company’s $2m funding round was led by Phoenix Beverages, a brewer in Mauritius. African Originals said the capital will be used to “bolster” its production capabilities and grow its operation "in Kenya and internationally".
African Originals’ products are sold across the African continent in markets such as Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius and will launch in Uganda later this year, the group told Just Drinks.
They are also available in the UK, sold through online outlets like Amazon UK and Value Africa. The company's full cider range and its Mara gin are currently sold there.
“The next phase of our journey is focused on building capacity while continuing to deliver high quality, locally-inspired beverages that celebrate Kenyan craftsmanship,” African Originals founder and CEO Alexandra Chappatte said.
“With this capital, we’re investing in the brand and setting the stage for even greater expansion.”
African Originals told Just Drinks that it has no majority shareholder owning over 50%. Its "significant” stakeholders include Phoenix Beverages, Amaya Capital and the company’s founder Chappatte.
The business reported that its gross sales were $3m in 2022 and $7m in 2023. It added that it expects to hit $10m this year.
In total, African Originals has raised roughly $10m to date. The company raised £700,000 ($936,736) in funds in the past via the UK crowdfunding platform Crowdcube.
“We were excited for our community to join us as shareholders. The crowdfunding aligned with our goal of deeper community engagement,” CEO Chappatte said.
