EABL denies playing 'dirty tricks' on KO cider maker African Originals

The East African Breweries Limited (EABL) has distanced itself from claims of playing dirty business tricks against African Originals.

African Originals, a Nairobi-based start-up which makes the popular ‘Kenyan Originals’ range of ciders, gins, and iced teas claimed the Diageo subsidiary was behind regulatory hurdles it has been facing.

The ‘KO’ maker also accused EABL of copying some of its products and sponsoring social media smear campaigns by influencers who claim they experienced health complications after consuming African Originals’ products.

It further accused EABL staff of maligning African Originals products and encouraging supermarket staff not to display its products.

But EABL on Monday dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated. The company in a statement said the allegations are “false, defamatory and lack any evidence.”

“We do not condone such behaviour within our business by any of our third-party partners or employees. Our commitment to ethical business practices and fair competition remains unwavering and is enshrined in our clear internal policies about how we engage our partners -including influencers - who must follow and/or be in line with any local laws,” the brewer said.

EABL said it has no connection with African Originals’ “quality issues” and requested the KO maker to retract their allegations.

“EABL will vigorously defend its position and take all necessary steps to protect its reputation and the trust of our customers, consumers, and all other stakeholders,” the company added.

EABL is the region’s largest brewer and the third-largest company on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) by market cap.

The company was in 2019 embroiled in a war with Keroche Breweries over the use of brown bottles, with Keroche accusing it of harassment and dirty tactics on its distributors.

The company was under scrutiny by the Senate in 2020 for allegedly engaging in unfair trade practices and monopolistic tendencies.