Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has reported a 15% growth in its cider volumes in Namibia, with Bernini continuing to perform well from a small base within ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages range.
The company says the launch of Bernini Mimosa, first introduced in South Africa in 2024, added to the range.
The growth comes despite a decline in NBL’s wine and beer volumes amid a tougher trading environment and a 38% drop in beer exports to the neighbouring market.
“Wine volumes in Namibia declined, while spirits volumes were broadly flat, the newly added Red Bull distribution agreement category contributed positively to both volume and revenue,” the company says in its financial and operational performance for the first six months of the year.
On the other hand, beer volumes in the country fell by 3%, while Windhoek Non-Alcoholic Lemon cushioned the non-alcoholic range.
NBL also reported a decline in first-half profit after the expiry of its minimum supply arrangement with Heineken Beverages South Africa.
The company also says financial pressure on Namibian consumers impacted its performance in the six-month period.
“NBL responded by driving relevance and affordability for customers and consumers. NBL continued to gain total portfolio market share, confirming that our consumer focus is providing positive returns,” the company says.
In the first six months of the year, NBL says it invested N$1.5 million in training and capability development.
“The resilience and relentless drive of our people, consumers and partners have enabled NBL to keep winning, delivering and transforming despite a challenging macroeconomic environment,” NBL managing director Waldemar von Lieres says.
