Obrein Simasiku
The Namibia Breweries has temporarily stopped the production of Windhoek Light because of declining demand.
According to NBL, there are still plans to resume its production in the near future, depending on demand.
“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,” said NBL in a statement released today.
NBL said they regularly review all of 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.
“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.”
The company told Windhoek Light die hard consumers not to despair, but rather look for a substitute to quench their thirst, entertainment and satisfaction.
“We will continue to offer other low- and non-alcoholic beverage products, including Tafel Raddler 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, however, dispelled speculation that the Heineken transaction had an influence on the decision. The Dutch brewer Heineken transaction is linked to a 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 entails Heineken’s purchase NBL’s 25% shareholding in Heineken South Africa.
