African Originals, Kenya’s leading craft beverage producer, has officially joined the Bar, Hotel, and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA) as part of its strategic efforts to foster meaningful partnerships within the industry.
Speaking at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in Nairobi, African Originals’ Commercial Director, Mr Kelvin Kuria, highlighted the significance of this alliance in enhancing the company’s growth and influence in the market.
“We are thrilled to officially join BAHLITA, an organization that has consistently championed the interests and growth of entrepreneurs in the hospitality and bar services sector,” said Mr Kuria.
“At African Originals our mission is to celebrate African identity through crafted beverages and experiences for the African Middleclass.
“This partnership comes at a pivotal time as we aim to leverage BAHLITA’s extensive network to drive engagement of our members and advance collaborative opportunities within the industry.”
The partnership between African Originals and BAHLITA is poised to create a platform for addressing common industry challenges, influencing policy formulation, and promoting best practices across the sector.
Through this partnership, African Originals seeks to contribute actively to the development of a favorable business environment that supports sustainable growth and economic prosperity which are core to their corporate DNA.
Statistics indicate that the hospitality and bar services sector is a significant contributor to Kenya’s economy, providing employment to many citizens and contributing substantially to the national GDP.
Strengthening alliances within this sector is essential for addressing shared concerns and ensuring continued growth and stability.
For example, by sourcing ingredients directly from Kenyan farmers, African Originals provides farmers and communities with a reliable and fair market for their products.
“We’re proud of the contribution we make to our communities, and our business has grown hand-in-hand with local economies by forging long-term partnerships with government, national associations such as BAHLITA and entrepreneurs.
As the continent’s leading producer of craft beverages, we’ve built skills and capacity to become the backbone of beverages that matter to our customers,” added Kuria.
BAHLITA has been instrumental in advocating for the interests of its members by liaising with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders to shape policies and regulations that impact the industry positively.
The association’s efforts have been crucial in creating a conducive business environment that fosters economic growth and stability.
“BAHLITA recognizes the importance of engaging with stakeholders at various levels to advance our objectives and foster mutual understanding,” stated Boniface Gachoka, BAHLITA Secretary-General.
“Through constructive dialogue and collaboration with partners like African Originals, we strive to build strong relationships that enhance service delivery, promote innovation, and uphold the highest standards of integrity within the industry,” he added.
