16 Jun 2022 Goodbye Windhoek Light!

Despite the upward trajectory of the no-low trend, Namibian Breweries has canned Windhoek Light, a pioneering low-alc beer in Southern Africa. [Your editor is not happy!]

Namibia Breweries (NBL) recently announced a “temporary discontinuation” of its low-alcoholic and -kilojoule beer brand, Windhoek Light, adding “NBL foresees the current stock of Windhoek Light to be sufficient at current demand for the month of May 2022, after which the discontinuation will take effect”.

Its statement continues: “Given the rapidly changing nature of the beer landscape and the need to remain current and competitive within it, the decision to cease production of Windhoek Light was informed by current consumer demand as well as market trends.

“NBL regularly reviews all its Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) to assess their feasibility according to the company’s responsibility to deliver value through appealing products to consumers and shareholders alike.”

NBL, however, also has said the product will not be disappearing for good, and might be revisited in future depending on consumer demand, and that the Heineken transaction had no influence on the decision.

“Consumers looking for a substitute need not despair as NBL will continue to offer its other low- and non-alcoholic beverage products, including Tafel Radler in Lemon and Grapefruit; Horizon Non-Alcoholic Flavoured Beer; and Windhoek Non-Alcoholic Beer which will be available in all outlets licensed to sell and stock these products”, NBL’s statement added.

NBL, however, dispelled speculation that the Heineken transaction had an influence on the decision. The Dutch brewer’s November 2021 transaction is the purchase of 50.01% interest of Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies in NBL Investment Holdings, which holds 59.4% of NBL. Heineken holds the remaining 49.99%.

The transaction also includes Heineken’s purchase of NBL’s 25% shareholding in Heineken South Africa.

Source: NBL