
Ethiopia moves to bolster its coffee exports to the Chinese market
Opening of an Ethiopian coffee-trading centre in Zhuzhou will establish direct sales channels, boost relationships and host product displays.
BRAND STRATEGY
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024
CBL introduces 7UP to its brand portfolio, as PepsiCo’s brand strategy aims to reshape consumer preferences in East Africa.
Crown Beverages Limited (CBL), Uganda’s PepsiCo bottler and the country’s oldest beverages company, has launched the international 7UP soft drink brand onto the local market.
This expands CBL’s already extensive brand portfolio which includes Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Mirinda, Evervess Tonic, Sting Energy Drink, Nivana Water, and Aquafina.
To promote the brand to Ugandan consumers, there is a new brand identity with the theme ‘say hello to 7UP’. 7UP is being sold in 300ml and 500ml PET bottles.
The fresh visual identity features the brand’s signature green colour, but with added citrus hues and distinct high-contrast lines that portray a feeling of upward energy. The new design will be visible on the 7UP bottles, various marketing materials, and brand activations.
Photo credit: CBL
Brand strategy includes sampling campaign
The brand strategy includes a multi-touchpoint sampling campaign across bars, restaurants, and on the streets. The aim is to showcase “how 7UP can bring moments of upliftment, positivity, and surprise to people’s lives in unexpected ways”, CBL says.
Comments Rogers Anguzu, Commercial Manager at CBL: “We are thrilled to bring 7UP to Uganda, a country with a vibrant and dynamic culture. We hope that 7UP will become a beloved brand in Uganda and inspire people to enjoy the deliciously uncomplicated taste of 7UP and the moments of upliftment it brings.”
In April last year, CBL opened a new US$76-million bottling plant in Kakungulu, on the outskirts of Kampala, with the capacity to produce116,000 bottles per hour. A second phase of the project brings the total cost to around US$90-million.
“The expansion is part of a wider attack on Coca-Cola’s dominance in East Africa, as PepsiCo looks to reshape consumer preferences. In 2009, Crown Beverage sold 22-million cases in Uganda. In 2022 it sold 65-million cases,” comments Trendtype, the London-based emerging markets consultancy.

Opening of an Ethiopian coffee-trading centre in Zhuzhou will establish direct sales channels, boost relationships and host product displays.

Rwanda’s evolving modern retail sector is reshaping itself on data-driven consumer insights and local know-how.

From movie-style extravaganzas to conversations with digital clones and enhancing visuals, marketers are doing more than just tinker with AI.

Most recent Black Friday period demonstrated how increasing consumer familiarity with online shopping is driving ongoing demand.

The latest issue of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is now available.

Brand revamp responds to evolving trends, particularly among younger consumers, while acknowledging Schweppes’ 240-year history.

Partnership ensures Liverpool won’t walk alone as it sees a strong retail opportunity among its growing fan base in Africa.

Latest move in Carrefour’s Africa expansion strategy should see it operating 30 stores in the country with a local partner by 2028.

Certain restrictions on TV and online advertising aimed at kids. Health sector sees it as a first step towards a total ban.

The brands that thrive will treat creativity as a core strategy which underpins sustainable growth, social impact and global engagement

The latest issue of Strategic Marketing for Africa, the magazine for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is now available.
Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.
Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.
Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.