UBL launches beer with 3% alcohol by volume

On February 1, Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) unveiled WhiteCap Crisp, a beer with only 3% alcohol by volume (ABV), with no added sugar, making it the first light beer by ABV in the Ugandan market.

The invite-only unveiling event was held at Naguru Skyz Hotel in Kampala. 

The 300ml sleek bottle and 330ml sleek can were unveiled.

The cream of Kampala's social scene plus popular content creators, events and marketing gurus and high-networth individuals attended. There was entertainment from Myko Ouma and the Band and Joseph Sax.

Ushers kept the cold beer moving, something that left guests with no regrets at the three-hour white and blue-themed launch.  

 Addressing guests during the launch event, Catherine Ndungu, UBL’s acting marketing and innovations director, said: “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.”

Now if you are the kind of party person who drinks till the next day looking for heights, this is not your drink. The premium beer is only 3% alcohol by volume, with no added sugar, making it the first light beer by ABV in the Ugandan market at the moment.

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 favoruite restaurant or brunch spot.”

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.