African Originals has received a new US$1 million capital injection from its Mauritius-based investor, Phoenix Beverages, to expand production capacity and increase the use of Kenyan-grown fruit. The company stated that the funding will support manufacturing upgrades, automation, and higher fruit procurement from local growers.
Founder and CEO Alexandra Chappatte said the expansion places smallholder farmers at the centre of the company's supply strategy. She noted that "this funding allows us to double our production capacity and continue using real Kenyan fruit at scale." The company's current output of 20,000 hectolitres is expected to rise to around 40,000 hectolitres once equipment upgrades are completed.
African Originals sources pineapples, mangoes, lemons, and other fruits from growers in Kisii, Murang'a, Embu, and Kilifi. According to Chappatte, increased production will translate into higher fruit intake and a more stable market for these growers. She added that "if we continue to invest in machinery, we unlock more demand for farmers and their fruit."
Chappatte said the beverage sector is attracting renewed investor interest in consumer goods with strong local supply chains, noting that "there is a huge opportunity in FMCG products." The company plans to continue focusing on beverages made from Kenyan ingredients and designed for domestic consumption.
Phoenix Beverages first acquired a minority stake in African Originals in 2023. The latest investment supports what Chappatte described as a shift toward building a scalable regional platform while retaining Kenyan fruit as the core input. She said the company has seen strong uptake among younger consumers in Kenya and plans to use the new funding to accelerate product development, stating that "innovation is where we win."
African Originals has expanded sales into Uganda, though Chappatte said Kenya will remain the primary base for capital expenditure and production. She noted that "Kenya is the biggest opportunity" while the company continues to explore regional demand.
The company also exports to Phoenix Beverages in Mauritius, which provides additional technical and market support.
Source: The Star
