Uganda Breweries Limited has unveiled a low alcohol content beer version named WhiteCap Crisp.
The new beer has an abv of 3% but also with no added sugar, making it the first light beer by ABV on the Ugandan market at the moment.
“There is a growing interest and greater scrutiny in wellness and fitness amongst customers. More customers, who fall in the space of moderators, occasional alcohol consumers and abstainers are conscious about the need to assert control over their lifestyle. We saw this as an opportunity to create and innovate against unmet needs in the low and non-alcoholic space through a relevant proposition,” said Catherine Ndungu, UBL’s acting marketing and innovations director during the unveiling ceremony at Skyz Hotel in Naguru.
Ndungu added that this innovation is the business’ response to evolving consumer trends where people are actively and consciously seeking out brands and products that prioritise their overall wellness and lifestyle.
“We are a business that has a strong track record of listening to our consumers and leveraging our strength in innovation to deliver products that suit their needs. WhiteCap Crisp is the latest in this long line of product solutions to cater to the consumer who is seeking a lighter beer alternative for fun social experiences to prioritise their wellness and for those light occasions,” she said.
According to the beverage analysis firm, IWSR, there has been growth in the no- and low-alcohol product categories in 10 key no/low markets (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Spain, UK and the US) with low-alcohol products taking up 34% market share and expected to increase by 2024.
These trends are more popular among consumers looking to explore specific health and wellness traits – such as low-calorie, low-sugar, and natural ingredients – and consumers will gravitate towards sophisticated products that deliver on these requirements.
Speaking during the launch, Francis Nyende, UBL’s Lead Innovations Manager, said, “WhiteCap Crisp is redefining the general understanding of what a beer is. Despite being low in alcohol and made from all-natural ingredients, this product is crisp and full of flavour for the consumer seeking to excite their palate with a drink that is the perfect companion for a light or healthy meal at their favourite restaurant or brunch spot.”
