In 2011, we ventured into the Ethiopian beer market by acquiring Harar and Bedele breweries. In 2015, we inaugurated Kilinto Brewery near Addis Ababa with an investment of EUR310 million. Since then, we have been bringing people together over a beer, embracing Ethiopia as our cherished home and its diverse, hospitable people as our community.
Our wide portfolio of brands enjoys national recognition. Harar beer is not only a captivating conversation starter but also represents the rich heritage of the East— cherished nationwide by those who appreciate a bold, hoppy flavor and understand the essence of a true beer. At the core of our Kilinto Brewery, we take great pride in our flagship brand, the iconic Walia. We passionately craft the internationally acclaimed Heineken®, known for its consistent taste and quality since 1873. Our celebrations are always accompanied by quality time and the excellence embodied in Bedele Special. We are also proud to offer Sofi Malt, the first dark malt beverage, and Bertat, the pioneering malt-based energy drink, catering to the evolving tastes and preferences of our valued consumers in Ethiopia.
We work closely with over 80,000 farmers in Ethiopia to sustainably grow raw materials such as barley, essential for brewing our beers. By prioritizing local sourcing, we create shared value for the local communities, the country, and Heineken Ethiopia. We are proud to say that we purchase 100% of the barley we need for our inputs locally.
Our more than 1,000 employees are the heart and soul of our company. We prioritize their well-being by providing competitive pay, training, healthcare, and ample career opportunities. We regularly conduct the employee Climate Survey to gauge engagement levels and identify areas for improvement.
Brewing beer is an art form at Heineken Ethiopia. We operate three breweries across the country, and work safety is always a top priority. We continuously strive to improve energy and water efficiency while exploring environmentally friendly energy sources wherever feasible.
We constantly seek innovative ways to optimize the production of our packaging materials. Our beers are served in returnable bottles and kegs, reducing waste and promoting sustainability
The careful management of product movement within the country is paramount. We have robust health and safety policies in place to minimize accidents. Additionally, we optimize distribution by implementing changes in transportation methods and providing road safety training to our drivers.
Our brands are proudly served in over 69,000 outlets including establishments, bars, restaurants, and clubs. We prioritize responsible consumption and work in partnership with our stakeholders to ensure our products are sold only to legal drinking-age consumers. Each year, we launch a responsible consumption campaign in Ethiopia to address drink and drive and raise awareness of responsible drinking.
We believe in growing with the communities in which we operate. By creating jobs, supporting local suppliers, and paying taxes that contribute to local and national development, we strive to have a positive impact. We are honored to have received the Ethiopian government’s recognition as the most Complaint and Trusted Company for the fifth time. In 2023 alone, our tax contribution amounted to ETB 9.7 billion birr.
