Africa-focused multinational consumer goods company Vasari Global along with UK-based asset management firm Duet Group, and the TIRET Group, which is an Ethiopian endowment fund, has unveiled an advanced brewery plant at Debre Birhan, which is located close to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
The new beer manufacturing plant is claimed to feature technologies that would help energy and water conservation, lower operating costs and help deliver quality and efficiency.
Vasari Global CEO Vivian Imerman, CEO said: "Vasari invests in high growth consumer markets in Africa, bringing in world class technology, global branding expertise and experienced management teams to transform the most promising local businesses into highly competitive regional players. Following our initial investment in 2012, I'm delighted that we are deepening our commitment to Dashen today by introducing state-of-the-art continuous brewing techniques and expanding employment opportunities in Debre Birhan.
"We have brought the most advanced brewery in Africa - and one of the most advanced in the world - to Ethiopia. This is a clear sign of our confidence in Ethiopia and it complements our growing portfolio in the country, which includes spirits business Super Eagle and biscuits and pasta factory Ahadukes."
The new brewing facility at Dashen is equipped with a production capacity of 2 million hectoliters. The company also has plans for further expansion in future. Combining the capacities of its existing brewery in Gonder and the new brewery, Dashen's beer production in Ethiopia will now be tripled since its $150m investment in 2012.
The new production facility aims to meet the demand for Dashen beer from all over Ethiopia and beyond. The company assures that the recipe and taste of the beer will remain consistent. It is located 100kms north east of Addis Ababa, a densely populated area providing access to an expansive consumer base.
The population of Addis is currently estimated to be 3.2 million, is predicted to grow by more than 60% by 2025, the company claims.
The new brewery is expected to create hundreds of direct jobs, along with indirect employment with its supply chain that includes local farmers as well.
Dashen also promises to continue its commitments regarding community programmes, that include a collaboration with London's Arsenal FC to provide world class coaching to talented local players along with providing support to schools, hospitals, youth and elderly.
Image: New beer brewing facility opens in Ethiopia. Photo: Courtesy of antpkr/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
