Diageo subsidiary EABL commissions new brewery in Tanzania

East African Breweries Limited (“EABL”), a subsidiary of Diageo plc the world’s leading premium drinks business, is pleased to announce the commissioning of its new brewery in Moshi, Tanzania. The Prime Minister Hon. Mizengo K. Pinda of Tanzania officially opened the state-of-the-art facility today at an event hosted at the new site. The brewery, with an initial capacity of 500,000 hectolitres per annum, will produce its flagship brands Tusker lager and Premium Serengeti Lager for the region. It will employ 400 people full time and part time and it is expected that over a further 1,000 people in the local area will benefit from employment associated with the brewery’s value chain.

The $55 million brewery is part of the continuing investment EABL is making to expand capacity to meet consumer demand for its premium products and consolidate its position as the leading beer and spirits company in the East Africa region. Other recent projects include an expansion of the brewery in Uganda and the introduction of additional line capacity in Kenya.

Moshi is the third brewing facility of Serengeti Breweries Limited (“SBL”), the number two brewer in Tanzania, with other sites located in Dar Es Salaam and Mwanza. EABL completed the acquisition of 51% of SBL in November 2010 giving it direct management control of its premium brands in Tanzania and acquiring Premium Serengeti Lager, a leading domestic lager brand.

Seni Adetu, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of EABL, commented at the event:

“Today’s milestone is a strong and positive reflection of EABL’s resolve to deliver long-term value through its regional strategy. Through Serengeti Breweries Limited, we are confident that we are now better placed to generate good growth for the business, the economy and the surrounding communities as well as deliver greater service for our customers, and provide better choice for Tanzanian consumers.”

Nick Blazquez, President, Diageo Africa, said:

“The construction of this new brewery in Tanzania demonstrates the huge growth potential we continue to see in East Africa and symbolises our commitment to invest in our operations, our people and our communities in Tanzania and across the wider region.

“Over the past five years, Diageo has invested more than £1 billion in building robust and sustainable growth businesses in Africa, and we will continue to look at investment opportunities to support the growth of our brands and to strengthen our routes to market.”