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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has unveiled WhiteCap Crisp – a one of a kind premium beer with only 3% alcohol by volume (ABV), with no added sugar – making it the first light beer by ABV in the Ugandan market.
The beer was unveiled during a premium invite-only white and blue affair held at the Naguru Skyz Hotel, where the 300ml sleek bottle and a matching 330ml sleek can were unveiled.
According to UBL officials, the crisp light beer is made from all-natural ingredients and is targeted at consumers interested in maintaining healthy lifestyle choices while enjoying social occasions.
“There is a growing interest and greater scrutiny in wellness and fitness amongst customers. More customers, who fall in the space of moderators, occasional alcohol consumers and abstainers are conscious about the need to assert control over their lifestyle,” said Catherine Ndungu, UBL’s acting Marketing and Innovations Director, said, while addressing guests during the launch event.
“We saw this as an opportunity to create and innovate against unmet needs in the low and non-alcoholic space through a relevant proposition.”
She said with the the launch of this new product variant, WhiteCap Crisp, UBL not only meets this need, but also supports to balance the premium nature of their beers with substantial value and emerging trends.
Ndungu added that this innovation is the business’ response to evolving consumer trends where people are actively and consciously seeking out brands and products that prioritise their overall wellness and lifestyle.
“We are a business that has a strong track record of listening to our consumers and leveraging our strength in innovation to deliver products that suit their needs. WhiteCap Crisp is the latest in this long line of product solutions to cater to the consumer who is seeking a lighter beer alternative for fun social experiences to prioritise their wellness and for those light occasions,” she said.
According to the beverage analysis firm, IWSR, there has been growth in the no- and low-alcohol product categories in 10 key markets (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Spain, UK and the US) with low-alcohol products taking up 34% market share and expected to increase by 2024 .
These trends are more popular among consumers looking to explore specific health and wellness traits – such as low-calorie, low-sugar, and natural ingredients – and consumers will gravitate towards sophisticated products that deliver on these requirements.
The stylishly colourful launch event featured an exclusive guest list of the crème of Kampala’s social scene with popular content creators, events and marketing gurus and high-net-worth individuals in attendance with entertainment from Myko Ouma and his Band and timeless music mixes by Selector Jay.
Speaking during the launch, Francis Nyende, UBL’s Lead Innovations Manager, said, “WhiteCap Crisp is redefining the general understanding of what a beer is. Despite being low in alcohol and made from all-natural ingredients, this product is crisp and full of flavour for the consumer seeking to excite their palate with a drink that is the perfect companion for a light or healthy meal at their favourite restaurant or brunch spot.”
