In Africa, beer is the preferred alcoholic beverage, and it’s usually a regional variety. A review of the May 2024 edition of the Brand Finance Africa 200 report reveals that at least fifteen brands from six nations—Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda—are included.
It’s also noteworthy how many formerly “local” African brands are now controlled by multinational conglomerates. Two examples are Diageo, located in the UK, which owns Kenya’s Tusker, and Anheuser-Busch InBev, based in Belgium, which owns South Africa’s Castle Lager.
With a brand value of $698 million, or R12.8 billion, in 2024, Castle Lager is the most valuable beer brand in Africa. The brand’s creative “Bread of the Nation” campaign and extensive sports sponsorship have helped it grow 22% from its 2023 brand value of $574 million.
With more than 20 botanical tastes, South African gin company Inverroche has been a tremendous success in the spirits industry. Having gained a controlling stake in the brand since its 2011 launch, the French beverage giant Pernod Ricard has contributed to its recent success by upholding the brand’s originality, using its marketing expertise, and providing additional funding to help it reach new markets worldwide.
