Nairobi-based beverage company African Originals has received a fresh capital injection of approximately USD 1 million (KES 129.6 million) from Mauritius’ Phoenix Beverages Ltd, marking the second phase of investment between the two companies. The strategic investment, as reported by The Standard and confirmed by multiple industry sources, is aimed at expanding the company’s manufacturing capacity, enhancing its diverse product line, and supporting its ambition to grow beyond Kenya into a regional beverage platform.
Phoenix Beverages, a publicly listed company and a major player in the Mauritian beverage sector, initially acquired a minority stake in African Originals in 2023. This renewed financial commitment reflects a sustained strategic alignment and trust in African Originals’ business model and long-term vision. The funding will facilitate improvements to its production infrastructure and help scale up its cider, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktail offerings, all of which rely on locally sourced botanicals and fruits.
Alexandra Chappatte, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of African Originals, described the new investment as a significant endorsement. “We have just secured some additional money from our strategic investors, someone who understands our category since they are also a large beverage company in Mauritius,” she said in an interview with The Standard. “This additional funding from Phoenix Beverages is a strong vote of confidence in what we’re building. A portfolio of authentic, African made beverages. It gives us the resources to expand into the next phase, scaling from Kenya’s leading craft beverage company into East Africa’s first multi category beverage platform.”
This development comes at a time when the alcoholic beverages market in Kenya is showing notable growth, valued at over USD 3.2 billion in 2025, according to data from Statista. The sector is being shaped by increasing urbanisation, rising household incomes, and the spending power of a growing middle class. While multinational corporations continue to dominate, there is a noticeable shift in consumer preference toward locally made and ethically produced alternatives, particularly among younger demographics.
African Originals has positioned itself at the intersection of these trends. With a commitment to environmental and social governance, the company became the first African business in its category to earn the B Corporation certification, as reported by bne IntelliNews. The certification underscores its adherence to rigorous standards in sustainability, social impact and corporate transparency. The company also operates in Uganda and the United Kingdom and reported over 80 million beverages sold in the fourth quarter of 2024. It attracted USD 2 million in international investment during the same period.
The enterprise’s year on year revenue growth has exceeded 50 percent, according to Business Today, which attributes this success in part to its appeal among younger consumers seeking premium local alternatives that bridge the gap between budget brands and expensive imports. This approach reflects an emerging trend in Africa’s beverage industry where authenticity and origin play an increasing role in brand perception.
The collaboration between Phoenix Beverages and African Originals signals a broader continental narrative of intra African investment and cooperation. The partnership demonstrates how African capital and expertise can be leveraged to support innovation, scale, and sustainability across the continent without relying exclusively on foreign investment. With Phoenix Beverages bringing not only funding but also technical know-how and access to export markets, African Originals stands to gain more than just financial backing. It is a case study in how Pan African partnerships can foster scalable models rooted in local ecosystems and consumer identities.
In a continent where global narratives have often overshadowed homegrown innovation, African Originals is charting a path that merges commercial ambition with cultural relevance. Its emphasis on local sourcing, ethical production and regional integration offers an alternative vision of value creation in Africa’s craft and alcoholic beverage industries.
As regional markets evolve and competition intensifies, the success of African Originals could serve as a blueprint for other emerging firms seeking to remain authentic while building scalable and globally competitive brands from within Africa.
