BIG NEWS!!! Hello Uganda

We’re thrilled to announce that African Originals Ciders are now officially available in Uganda!
As part of our bold mission to take real, original, and unapologetically flavourful drinks across Africa, we are now available in Uganda in six refreshing variants, each crafted with real fruit, vibrant character, and a whole lot of originality:
🍍 Tropical Mix – Fruity, fun, fresh
🌿 Pineapple & Mint – Sweet, crisp, refreshing
🔥 Lime & Ginger – Zesty with a spicy kick
🍯 Honey & Lemon – Smooth, sweet, and tangy
🌶 Mango & Chilli – Sweet heat in every sip
🌺 Hibiscus & Lime – Floral, citrusy, and bold

Now available at Millennium Supermarket, Kampala.
We can’t wait for Ugandan cider lovers to sip, savour, and share in the #AOCider moments.
Let’s raise a bottle to spreading originality far and wide.

 

KO Dry Cider is now available! A Local Alternative to Beer

We’re thrilled to announce that KO Dry Cider is now available, crafted specifically to appeal to beer drinkers who are looking for something different.

Made right here in Kenya, KO Dry Cider is a crisp, dry, and refreshing cider with 5% ABV, available in 330ml bottles and 500ml cans. It’s priced to compete directly with both imported ciders and popular local beers. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or catching up with friends over the weekend, KO Dry Cider is made for those easy, laid-back occasions.

Since 2020, Kenya’s cider market has experienced significant growth, increasing by over 200% in volume, while beer has grown by just 1% annually over the past five years. We’ve seen this shift firsthand. More and more people are looking for drinks that reflect their tastes, their values, and their lifestyle.

KO Dry Cider is our answer: Crisp, refreshing, flavour-forward, and proudly Kenyan.

We’ve designed KO Dry Cider to stand out, from its crisp, clean taste to its bold green apple and racetrack-inspired packaging. Like all our products, KO Dry Cider is made using locally sourced ingredients and packaged in fully recyclable bottles and cans.

We’re also incredibly proud to be launching KO at a time of real momentum for African Originals. In April, we became the first gin and cider company in Africa to earn B Corp certification, a big step forward in our commitment to doing business responsibly. That same month, we introduced Kenya’s first locally made RTD gin and tonic, and continued to grow our footprint in Uganda.

“KO Dry Cider is our first truly mainstream cider, crafted specifically to appeal to beer drinkers who are looking for something different. As the cider category grows and consumer tastes shift, we see a clear opportunity to challenge the dominance of beer with a locally made, flavour-forward alternative. This launch marks a new chapter for African Originals, as we expand into the heart of the everyday drinking occasion with a product that’s proudly Kenyan and built for scale”, Alex Chappatte, Founder and CEO of African Originals.

Where You’ll Find KO Dry Cider

KO Dry Cider is already available is the following outlets:

  • Supermarkets
  • Wines & spirits shops
  • Local bars and beer gardens
  • E-commerce platforms

So wherever you like to chill, a KO Dry Cider will be right there with you, cold, crisp, and crafted for good times.

Introducing 5.8 Gin & Tonic – Kenya’s First Locally-Sourced RTD

We’re Excited to Launch Kenya’s First Locally-Sourced Gin & Tonic – Now Available in Kenya and Heading to the UK!

Nairobi, Kenya and London, United Kingdom – 29 April 2025:
At African Originals, we’re proud to announce the launch of our 5.8 Gin & Tonic — the first ready-to-drink (RTD) gin and tonic made using 100% locally sourced Kenyan ingredients.

This launch is a major milestone for us. It’s not just for our amazing Kenyan consumers — we’re also taking the 5.8 Gin & Tonic to London, sharing a true taste of Kenya with new audiences around the world.

RTDs have been the fastest-growing category in the global drinks industry, and Africa is leading the charge with growth rates over 10% year-on-year. Young, urban consumers are looking for drinks that are lighter, more flavourful, and rooted in authenticity — and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.

We’re launching three bold and refreshing flavours:

  • Classic – made with baobab from Kilifi, on Kenya’s coast

  • Very Berry – crafted with blueberries from Tigoni, just outside Nairobi

  • Spiced Orange – a lively blend of oranges and chilis sourced from across the country

Each can is a celebration of Kenyan produce, with ingredients grown by local farmers and botanicals harvested in partnership with the Maasai community. It’s a true reflection of what makes African Originals stand out — a deep-rooted connection to people and place.

Founder and CEO Alex Chappatte explains:
“We’re proud to be launching a product that reflects the soul of Kenya while speaking to a global audience. We believe our 5.8 Gin & Tonic will connect with Kenyan consumers looking for something local, fresh, and fun — and with international drinkers who want to experience the best of African craft in a can.”