KENYA - African Originals, a Nairobi-based startup known for its locally-sourced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, has successfully raised KSh257.4 million (US$2 million) from international investors. 

The funding, which came from Phoenix Beverages Limited, a major player in Mauritius, alongside Chandaria Capital, Perivoli Innovations, and Amaya Capital, marks an important milestone in the company's journey to scale production and broaden its product offerings.

Speaking to Capital Business, CEO Alex Chappatte emphasized that this capital injection reflects the confidence investors have in the company's vision and operational capacity. 

With three key brands—Kenyan Originals, African Originals, and 5.8—the startup is poised to expand its operations, deepen its impact within the Kenyan market, and explore opportunities beyond the country's borders.

Chappatte highlighted that African Originals aims to showcase the richness of Kenyan culture through its craft beverages, which utilize local ingredients such as tropical fruits, botanicals, herbs, tea, coffee, honey, and indigenous berries. 

The company is particularly focused on empowering local farmers, promoting sustainability, and bringing authentic Kenyan flavors to a broader audience.

Craft beverage industry set for growth

The craft beverage industry in Kenya, though still nascent, is witnessing rapid growth. 

The fresh capital will enable African Originals to accelerate this momentum by investing in innovation, enhancing production capabilities, and expanding its distribution network. 

Chappatte noted that the company aims to set a benchmark for quality and creativity, demonstrating that Kenyan brands can compete on a global scale. 

Commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers

Sustainability and supporting local farmers remain at the core of African Originals' mission. The company sources locally grown fruits and is encountering supply constraints due to rising demand. 

With the new funding, African Originals plans to strengthen its supply chain to ensure the continued use of high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Additionally, the company is expanding collaborations with organizations like Bees with Stories to empower small-scale farmers and beekeepers.

Chappatte also shared plans to enhance sustainability practices, from reducing the company's carbon footprint to supporting biodiversity protection initiatives. The CEO emphasized that every step of African Originals' growth is designed to positively impact the communities it works with and the environment.

Strategic partnerships and global ambitions

In 2022, African Originals conducted a crowd-sourced fundraising campaign that brought on board over 100 Kenyan investors, transforming consumers into stakeholders. 

The company's latest partnership with Phoenix Beverages Limited, the largest beverage company in Mauritius, adds a strategic dimension to its growth. This collaboration is expected to propel African Originals to the next stage by leveraging Phoenix's industry knowledge and support across manufacturing, procurement, sales, and marketing.

African Originals' journey is further bolstered by industry recognition, such as winning the Brand Innovator of the Year award at the 2024 World Gin Awards. 

The company, established in 2018, has made notable strides in the craft spirits market with products like the KO Klub Limited Edition Gin series and Mara Gin, which blend local ingredients with indigenous craftsmanship.