African Originals, the innovative company behind popular craft beverage brands like Kenyan Originals and 5.8, has successfully raised $2 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Phoenix Beverages Limited. This crucial investment signals a significant step forward for African Originals, a company known for its commitment to showcasing authentic Kenyan flavors and promoting sustainability. The new capital will enable the company to scale its operations, expand its product line, and strengthen its efforts in community impact and environmental conservation.

A Strategic Investment for Growth

The $2 million funding represents more than just a financial boost for African Originals—it is a testament to investor confidence in the brand’s vision. The company, which focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to create unique craft beverages, plans to leverage the funds to enhance its production capabilities and diversify its product portfolio. Expanding its reach within Kenya and internationally is also a key part of the company’s growth strategy, with the investment allowing African Originals to broaden its distribution network significantly.

Phoenix Beverages Limited, a leader in the African beverage industry, is well-known for supporting innovative and socially responsible companies. By leading this funding round, Phoenix Beverages demonstrates a shared belief in African Originals’ ability to revolutionize the Kenyan craft beverage market while maintaining a focus on community empowerment and sustainability.

Empowering Local Communities and Farmers

One of African Originals’ core missions is to empower local farmers and communities by sourcing premium ingredients directly from small-scale producers. The company utilizes a range of natural Kenyan ingredients, including tropical fruits, tea, coffee, honey, botanicals, and indigenous berries, ensuring that its products are not only high-quality but also support the local economy.

This commitment to sourcing from local farmers has been a cornerstone of African Originals’ success, helping to differentiate the brand in the increasingly competitive craft beverage market. By working closely with farmers, African Originals ensures fair trade practices and provides them with a stable source of income. The $2 million in new funding will allow the company to further invest in its supply chain, improving its ability to source premium ingredients sustainably and meet growing consumer demand.

African Originals’ collaboration with organizations like Bees with Stories exemplifies its dedication to sustainable and community-focused business practices. Bees with Stories is an initiative that supports small-scale farmers and beekeepers, promoting sustainable farming practices and biodiversity conservation. The partnership has allowed African Originals to incorporate ethically sourced honey into its product line, benefiting both the company and local beekeepers. The new funding will help strengthen such collaborations and expand their impact on local communities.

Expanding Product Offerings and Market Reach

With the newly acquired capital, African Originals aims to diversify its product offerings to cater to a broader audience. The company’s flagship brand, Kenyan Originals, is already well-regarded for its unique and flavorful beverages, crafted from a mix of Kenyan botanicals and fruits. The success of its popular 5.8 range of craft beverages, which includes artisanal cider and other locally inspired drinks, has further cemented the brand’s reputation for innovation.

African Originals plans to introduce new flavors and beverage types, tailored to both local and international palates. With craft beverages becoming increasingly popular worldwide, especially among consumers seeking authentic, natural, and premium options, the company is well-positioned to tap into the growing demand. By expanding its portfolio, African Originals is also positioning itself to capture more of the regional and global beverage market.

This product diversification aligns with the company’s broader goal of introducing the richness of Kenyan culture and natural ingredients to global consumers. African Originals’ use of locally sourced, sustainable ingredients adds a layer of authenticity to its products, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on environmental and ethical considerations.

Leading the Way in Sustainability

African Originals is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting biodiversity conservation initiatives. The funding will enable the company to invest in more sustainable practices, such as reducing waste in production processes and implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions. As global consumer trends shift toward sustainability, African Originals’ focus on environmentally responsible production methods sets it apart from competitors and aligns with international standards for sustainable business practices.

The company has already implemented several initiatives aimed at minimizing its environmental impact. These include reducing water usage in production, sourcing ingredients from organic and pesticide-free farms, and working with local farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture techniques. Moving forward, African Originals plans to deepen its efforts in these areas, ensuring that its growth does not come at the expense of the environment.

Supporting Biodiversity and Conservation

Biodiversity conservation is another area where African Originals is making a significant impact. By supporting small-scale farmers who practice sustainable farming methods, the company helps protect Kenya’s rich biodiversity. Many of the ingredients used in African Originals’ beverages, such as indigenous berries and botanicals, come from biodiverse ecosystems that need protection from over-exploitation and deforestation.

The company’s partnerships with conservation organizations and local communities help promote sustainable harvesting practices, ensuring that these ecosystems remain healthy and productive for future generations. With the new funding, African Originals will be able to invest more in biodiversity conservation programs, contributing to the preservation of Kenya’s natural heritage.

A Trailblazing Leader: Alex Chappatte

Alex Chappatte, the CEO of African Originals, has been a trailblazing figure in Kenya’s business landscape, particularly in the craft beverage industry. As one of the few female leaders in this male-dominated field, Chappatte’s success is not only significant for African Originals but also serves as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs across the continent. Under her leadership, African Originals has grown rapidly, gaining a reputation for innovation, quality, and social responsibility.

Chappatte’s vision for African Originals extends beyond financial success. She has placed a strong emphasis on community impact, sustainability, and empowering other women in business. Her leadership style, which blends business acumen with a deep commitment to social causes, has earned her recognition both within and outside Kenya.

The success of this funding round highlights the increasing recognition of women-led businesses in Africa, particularly in non-traditional sectors like craft beverages. Chappatte hopes that African Originals’ accomplishments will inspire other women entrepreneurs to pursue their business goals and attract substantial investments, proving that female leadership can thrive in any industry.

A Bright Future for African Originals

This $2 million funding round represents a major milestone for African Originals as it continues to champion Kenyan craftsmanship, empower local communities, and set new standards for the craft beverage industry. With the backing of Phoenix Beverages Limited, African Originals is poised for significant growth, both in Kenya and beyond.

The company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility positions it as a leader in the craft beverage sector. As global demand for authentic, natural, and eco-friendly products continues to rise, African Originals is well-placed to capture a larger share of the market. The company’s expansion plans, coupled with its focus on community empowerment and environmental stewardship, ensure that it will remain a force for positive change in the years to come.

As African Originals grows, it will continue to showcase the best of Kenyan culture and natural resources to the world, proving that a successful business can also be a responsible and ethical one. This funding marks the beginning of a new chapter for African Originals, and the future looks brighter than ever for this innovative Kenyan brand.

Photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

11th September, 2024