AB InBev Namibia says it has invested over N$12 million in the local production of Lion Lager and plans to invest over N$60 million over the next five years.
The company recently launched the Lion Lager, which marks a significant milestone for the Welwitschia Brewery, celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
Country Manager Kevin Louw also revealed that AB InBev Namibia has increased its production volumes by 50,000 hl since 2019 and aims to increase it by another 50,000 hl in this current financial year.
“With this local production, AB InBev Namibia is expecting more growth for the brand and its beer portfolio and expects to enhance its market position and consumer engagement,” he said.
AB InBev Namibia plans to grow its local brands by increasing its production capacity by constructing two additional tanks and has further already secured land for the future expansion of its brewery,” he added.
The brewery, whose capacity has been increased with two additional tanks in 2019, started with an initial focus on three flagship brands.
The brands include Castle Lager, Castle Lite, and Carling Black Label, which now produces five brands (this includes Lion Lager), diversifying the ABI Namibian beer portfolio to cater to a wider audience and different market segments.
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade of Industrialisation and Trade Lucia Iipumbu said the launch of the local production of Lion is a significant step in AB InBev Namibia’s long-term localisation strategy aimed at boosting local economies and enriching a diverse portfolio of brands.
“AB InBev’s decision to increase its diversified local footprint aligns with the vision of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade to expand the country’s industrial base through the enhancement of local production capacity and reduce our dependency on imports,” she said.
She commended AB InBev Namibia for its investment in the country, noting that the local production of the beer brand reflects the confidence of strategic investors in Namibia’s economic stability, skilled workforce, and favourable business environment.
The beer value chain continues to accelerate economic growth in Namibia, contributing N$2.94 billion to the GDP.
The industry created 9,000 jobs across the value chain, and N$1.26 billion was collected in tax.
Louw noted that their operational footprint in the country includes one brewery, three depots and a corporate head office, employing 146 staff.
“For us, building an empowered nation means working with the people who call Namibia home, and this includes over 200 local suppliers across our supply chain, reinforcing our commitment to investing in the Namibian economy,” he said.
