The Old Master comes to Kenya

(EVELYN NJOROGE) Kenya’s spirits market has just got crowded with the launch of Oude Meester brandy by Distell Winemasters.

Oude Meester is the first brand that Distell acquired in 1948 and its introduction into Kenya marks another step in the firm’s desire to create a portfolio of high-quality brandies.

“Kenyans are now becoming the masters of their own destiny; the young are coming up with their own innovative and entrepreneurial ideas and we see a close fit of the brand and the Kenyan spirit,” Distell Brands Manager Karen Gikunda said.

The brandy which comes in three ranges that will retail between Sh1,650 and Sh7,000.

While observing that the market is awash with other brands, the manager exuded confidence that Distell would be able to carve a niche for itself and remain competitive.

“I think there is always enough for everyone and everyone has their distinct selling proposition that they come with and fits into the consumer,” she said adding that they would also be taking advantage of customers’ willingness to try new brands.

“You cannot sell something to a Kenyan consumer without creating a synergy to understand what it is that he is looking for that you can provide,” the manager added, while acknowledging that this is one of the lessons that especially South African companies wishing to operate in Kenya have learnt.

American actor and musician Jamie Foxx is the brand Ambassador for the brandy.

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