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Namibia Breweries Limited
Namibia Breweries Limited
from Wikipedia

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) is a brewery founded in 1920 and based in Windhoek, Namibia. On April 26, 2023, Heineken announced that it had completed the purchase of Namibian Breweries.[1]

Key Information

Upon completion of the acquisition, its operations were integrated into Heineken Beverages, a company created by the multinational from the merger of its South African unit, NBL and another African brewery acquired by the Dutch company, Distell.[2]

History

[edit]

The brewery was founded in 1920 when Carl List and Hermann Ohlthaver acquired four small breweries with financial difficulties. The breweries were merged under the name South West Breweries Limited (SWB).

In March 1990, SWB changed its name to Namibia Breweries Limited when Namibia gained its independence from apartheid South Africa. Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies are still the majority shareholder. B Since 2003, Namibia Breweries Limited has been working in partnership with Heineken South Africa. After 2010, NBL started to buy shares of Heineken SA,[3] eventually reaching a 25% ownership of the Dutch subsidiary in South Africa.[4]

In 2014, Namibian Breweries Limited became the first brewer in Africa to switch to solar energy, and on a large scale. It invested in a 1.MW Solar Power plant installed on existing roof structures and covering up to 34% of its energy use.[5]

In November 2021, Heineken announced the purchase of two African breweries (NBL and Distell) for US$4.6 billion – with Namibia’s valued at €400 million.[6] The acquisition was completed in 2023.

Description

[edit]

NBL brew all of their beers according to the Reinheitsgebot (German purity law) from 1516. Other than the four top-selling beers NBL also produces some speciality beers like Urbock - a winter bock beer. Nambrew also distributes other beer brands like Erdinger Weissbeer, Guinness and Kilkenny in the region. The low alcohol (2%), low calorie product Windhoek Light was endorsed by the South African Heart Foundation.[7]

Currently NBL exports 20.5% of its production to South Africa and 22 other countries world-wide.

Products

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Bottles of Windhoek Lager

Own products:

  • Club Shandy
  • Tafel Lager
  • Tafel Lite
  • Tafel Radler
  • Camelthorn
  • King Lager
  • Hansa Draught
  • Windhoek Draught
  • Windhoek Lager
  • Windhoek Light
  • Windhoek Non-alcoholic
  • McKane: Soda Water, Tonic Water, Lemonade, Dry Lemon and Cranberry
  • Vigo (malt soft drink): Marula, Wild Orange and Kiwano
  • AquaSplash

Brewed under licence:

  • Amstel Lager[8]
  • Amstel Lite
  • Heineken
  • Horizon
  • Strongbow

Distribute:

  • Guinness
  • Erdinger
  • Erdinger Non-alcoholic
  • Foundry Cider
  • Archers Aqua (various flavours)

Bibliography

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) is a leading Namibian beverage manufacturing company, founded in 1920 and headquartered in Windhoek, specializing in the production, distribution, and sale of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages across Namibia, South Africa, and exports to 13 countries. As of 2024, it employs 949 people and operates as a subsidiary of Heineken N.V., in which Heineken entities hold approximately 59.4% through Heineken Beverages Holdings Limited, with the remaining shares publicly held at approximately 40.6%. Established on 29 October 1920 as Namibia's oldest and largest brewery, NBL has grown into a key player in the southern African beverage industry, maintaining its position as the market leader in Namibia's beer sector with a significant share of the premium segment. The company brews its beers in accordance with the traditional German purity law, using malted , , and water, and celebrated its centenary in 2020 with various initiatives. In April 2023, completed its acquisition of a in NBL for synergy with its regional operations, integrating it into Heineken Beverages alongside the purchase of Distell Namibia for N$1.56 billion, which expanded NBL's portfolio and distribution network. This transaction, finalized on 26 April 2023, marked a pivotal shift from its prior independent status as one of southern Africa's few locally owned commercial-scale breweries. NBL's product lineup comprises over 55 brands, including flagship beers such as , Tafel Lager, Hansa, and ; ciders like and Strongbow; wines including Tassenberg and Castello; spirits such as Richelieu; and non-alcoholic options like soft drinks, juices, mixers, and purified water under brands like Aquasplash. The 2023 Distell acquisition notably broadened its offerings into wines, spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages, enhancing market reach in the SADC region. For the 18 months ended 31 December 2024, NBL reported net revenue of N$6.83 billion, operating profit of N$896 million (a 112.6% increase), and a focus on , responsible consumption, and innovation in low- and no-alcohol products aligned with Heineken's global purpose of "brewing the joy of true togetherness." The company remains listed on the (NSX: NBS) and continues to invest in local production and community initiatives, such as education and environmental preservation.

History

Founding and Early Development

Namibia Breweries Limited traces its origins to 1920, when German entrepreneurs Hermann Ohlthaver and Carl List, operating through their newly formed Ohlthaver & List Kommission partnership established in 1919, acquired four financially struggling breweries in what was then under South African mandate administration. These included the Kronen Brauerei in , the Omaruru Brewery in Omaruru, the Klein Brewery in , and the Felsenkeller-Brauerei in , which were consolidated on 29 October 1920 to form South West Breweries Limited (SWB). The initiative aimed to provide the local German settler community with a reliable domestic alternative to imported beers amid post-World War I economic disruptions and the . From its inception, SWB emphasized traditional German brewing standards, producing beer in adherence to the purity law of 1516, which mandated the use of only malted , , and water as ingredients to ensure quality and consumer safety. Ohlthaver and , leveraging their banking and commercial expertise, played pivotal roles in stabilizing and expanding the operation; by 1923, their partnership had evolved into Ohlthaver & List Limited, establishing it as a foundational in SWB and laying the groundwork for the broader Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. Under the colonial administration of the , the company focused on consolidating production primarily in , where the acquired facilities formed the core of its early brewing capacity. Early growth involved developing regional distribution networks to serve the sparse population and emerging markets in , navigating challenges like limited infrastructure and economic isolation during the . By the mid-20th century, SWB had solidified its position through strategic acquisitions, notably the 1967 purchase of the Hansa Brauerei in , which eliminated competition and positioned the company as the sole independent commercial brewery in the region. This expansion under colonial oversight enhanced supply chains and production efficiency, setting the stage for sustained operations in a resource-constrained environment.

Post-Independence Expansion

Following Namibia's from on March 21, 1990, South West Breweries changed its name to Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) to reflect the nation's new and align with its post-colonial identity. This renaming marked a pivotal shift, emphasizing local ownership and operations under the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, which retained majority control while fostering national economic participation. In May 1996, NBL listed as a on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), broadening its investor base and solidifying its role in the emerging economy. The O&L Group remained the controlling shareholder, holding a significant stake that supported strategic stability amid post-independence market liberalization. This listing enhanced NBL's access to capital for growth initiatives, positioning it as a key player in Namibia's beverage sector. A strategic partnership with South Africa began in 2003 through the formation of DHN Drinks Proprietary Limited, a joint venture with and that enabled licensed brewing and distribution of international brands like in . By 2015, NBL acquired a 25% stake in Sedibeng Proprietary Limited, the entity operating 's brewery in , , strengthening its involvement in and regional supply chains. This collaboration facilitated and brand expansion, bolstering NBL's competitive edge. During the 1990s and 2010s, NBL expanded exports, with a notable portion of production directed to and other countries in and beyond. Concurrently, the company diversified beyond into , introducing and relaunching products like McKane soft drinks and AquaSplash to capture growing demand for healthier options and broaden its portfolio resilience. These efforts underscored NBL's adaptation to economic diversification post-independence. In 2020, NBL marked its centenary with celebrations highlighting a century of brewing tradition, from its 1920 founding to its evolution as Namibia's leading beverage producer. The milestone included community initiatives and reflections on its enduring legacy, reinforcing its cultural and economic significance.

Acquisition and Integration with Heineken

In November 2021, Heineken announced its intention to acquire control of Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) as part of a broader transaction involving Group Holdings Limited, forming a new majority-owned entity called Heineken Beverages with a total equity value of approximately $4.6 billion; NBL was valued at €400 million in the deal. This acquisition built on Heineken's existing with NBL since 2003, which had focused on distribution and brand development in , and increased its pre-existing approximate 30% stake. The transaction was completed on April 26, 2023, with NBL integrated into Heineken Beverages as a under NBL Investment Holdings, where gained majority control by acquiring additional shares from the Ohlthaver & List Group to reach a 59% stake. This integration combined NBL with Heineken South Africa and to create a regional powerhouse, enhancing operational synergies across . Post-acquisition, NBL benefited from Heineken's global network, including expanded distribution channels reaching 13 countries for its products as of 2024, alongside technology transfers in brewing processes and alignment with international quality standards such as the Purity Law. Locally, operations remained centered at NBL's headquarters in , with a commitment to retaining and growing its workforce to 983 employees as of 2024 and fostering regional job growth.

Operations

Production Facilities and Processes

Namibia Breweries Limited's primary production facility is located in , , where the company was established following its founding in 1920 as one of the region's earliest commercial-scale breweries. This site serves as the core manufacturing hub, equipped for large-scale with a total technical capacity of three million hectolitres annually, enabling efficient production to meet domestic and international demand. The facility has undergone expansions, including recent investments to enhance and capabilities, supporting its role in 's beverage industry. The brewing process at the facility adheres strictly to the German of 1516, utilizing only malted , , , and water, with no additives permitted to ensure purity and quality in premium production. This traditional method involves malted to convert starches into fermentable sugars, followed by with for bitterness and preservation, cooling, with to produce alcohol and , and maturation before packaging. The entire process is monitored by qualified experts to maintain consistency, reflecting the company's commitment to time-honored standards in a modern industrial setting. Namibia Breweries Limited employs 949 people across its operations in , supporting the facility's daily activities from raw material handling to final distribution. The company's distribution network covers the comprehensively, accounting for 77.7% of its volume, while exports reach 13 countries in southern and eastern Africa, such as , , and , representing 2.4% of total output. In October 2025, NBL entered a to become the exclusive distributor of energy drinks in , further strengthening its distribution capabilities. This infrastructure facilitates reliable supply chains for both local consumption and international markets. Production at includes diversified lines for , which comprises six dedicated setups for glass bottles, cans, and kegs and accounts for 70.8% of output, alongside ciders introduced locally in with new lines. Soft drinks represent 4.4% of production, while water bottling occurs at secondary sites in and Outjo to complement the core operations. These integrated processes handle procurement, brewing or mixing, , and , ensuring a broad range of non-alcoholic beverages alongside core alcoholic production.

Sustainability Initiatives

Namibia Breweries Limited has pioneered adoption in its operations, commissioning Africa's first large-scale plant in 2013 with a 1 MW capacity at its brewery. A second solar installation followed in 2023, collectively supplying approximately 20% of the company's needs and generating 3,238 MWh of green energy in 2024, which saved 3,237 tons of CO2 emissions that year. These efforts contribute to a broader goal of sourcing 100% by 2030 and reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions to net zero. The company addresses resource efficiency through targeted programs in , , and ingredient sourcing. Water usage has been optimized to 3.86 hectoliters per hectoliter of in 2024, supported by 49.4% alternative sources like reclaimed and boreholes, with 100% of treated and reused. Waste reduction initiatives include recovering extract from surplus to minimize volume and organic load, alongside a 91% return rate for reusable bottles; these measures reduced to to 9% in 2024, en route to a zero- target by 2025. For sourcing, NBL maintains long-term contracts with European suppliers for 100% of its imported malted and , while procuring local for products like King to support regional . Following its integration as a subsidiary of Beverages Holdings in April 2023, NBL aligned with the global "Brew a Better World" framework, emphasizing reduced and community-focused . Key actions include shifting to 100% paper labels on returnable bottles in 2024 (from 79.8% the prior year) and incorporating 30% recycled in beer crates, thereby cutting and promoting a . The company also advances responsible drinking education through the EduDrink platform, targeting community awareness and . Social initiatives underscore NBL's commitment to and in . In 2005, Windhoek Light received endorsement from the South African Heart Foundation for its low-alcohol (2%) and low-calorie profile. Broader efforts support environmental preservation, alongside and programs, as core elements of corporate social investment to foster community upliftment without creating dependency.

Products and Brands

Beer Portfolio

Namibia Breweries Limited's beer portfolio consists of a mix of flagship owned brands and licensed international products, emphasizing premium and mainstream lagers brewed in accordance with the German purity law. The company's core offerings include premium pilsners and traditional drafts that dominate the market, where NBL holds the leading position in sales. Among its owned brands, Lager stands as the flagship premium , introduced as Namibia's first premium and renowned for its balanced and hop profile. Draught, a traditional unfiltered , complements it in the mainstream segment, while Tafel Lager serves as a longstanding traditional option, ranking as the second-largest by in . Hansa Draught provides another accessible mainstream choice, and offers a refreshing beer-lemonade hybrid for lighter consumption. These brands collectively drive NBL's domestic leadership, with variants gaining further market share in recent years. Under licensing agreements with , NBL produces and distributes Heineken lager and Lager in and for export. The Heineken production began in 2004 through a strategic partnership, enabling local brewing and supply to , while Lager joined the portfolio following a license granted in 2005. These international brands bolster NBL's premium segment presence regionally. NBL's beers achieve notable production volumes, with 19.9% directed to South Africa as of 2024, supporting a supply agreement for brands like Windhoek in that market. The portfolio has garnered international recognition, including 2024 DLG awards with Gold for Windhoek Non-Alcoholic and Silver medals for Windhoek Lager, Windhoek Draught, and Tafel Lager; previous accolades include multiple gold medals from the German Agricultural Society's DLG awards for Windhoek Lager and bronze medals at the European Beer Star awards for Windhoek Draught. Windhoek Light, a low-alcohol variant, holds endorsement from the South African Heart Foundation for its health-conscious profile. The portfolio evolved in the 2000s with the introduction of lighter options like Windhoek Light in 1999 and Tafel Lite, catering to health-focused consumers. In 2014, NBL acquired Camelthorn Brewing Company, Namibia's inaugural craft brewery (launched 2009), adding wheat-based variants and marking entry into the growing craft segment.

Non-Alcoholic and Other Beverages

In addition to its core beer offerings, (NBL) has diversified into ciders, wines, spirits, and ready-to-drink (RTD) products, particularly following the 2023 acquisition of Distell Namibia, which expanded the portfolio to over 55 brands. Ciders include , Africa's top cider by volume, and Hunter’s, contributing to 44% growth in the cider/RTD category in 2024. The wines portfolio features mainstream and premium options such as Tassenberg (Namibia's largest wine by volume), Castelo Gingerfizz, Nederburg, , and Capenheimer, with volumes up 10% in 2024 and local packaging starting in July 2024. Spirits include Richelieu in the premium segment, which saw 35% growth in 2024. RTD beverages encompass Bernini and vodka-based coolers like , , and Archers Aqua in various fruit flavors, integrated since the early 2010s and enhanced by . NBL's non-alcoholic beverage segment includes a range of soft drinks, waters, and mixers designed for everyday hydration and mixing needs. Aquasplash, a purified sourced and produced in and Outjo, serves as a key entry in the non-alcoholic category, emphasizing accessibility and quality. The McKane line features carbonated mixers in flavors like tonic, , and soda, relaunched in the late to support culture while appealing to non-drinkers. Fruitree offers juices and nectars, providing natural, refreshing options that align with for healthier alternatives to sugary sodas. Non-Alcoholic beer, which won a DLG award in 2024, further supports low/no-alcohol trends. These RTD lines leverage NBL's existing production facilities, which support an overall capacity exceeding 1 million hectoliters annually across beverage categories. This diversification reflects NBL's market strategy to attract non-beer consumers, particularly in the post-2023 era amid rising interest in health-conscious and low-alcohol options. By incorporating non-alcoholic drinks like softs, juices, and alongside ciders, wines, spirits, and RTDs, the company caters to shifts toward and variety, driving volume growth in these segments.

Corporate Affairs

Ownership and Governance

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) was founded in 1920 when the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group acquired four struggling breweries—Klein Windhoek Brauerei, Felsenkeller Brauerei, Omaruru Brauerei, and Kronen Brauerei—to form South West Breweries, the predecessor to NBL; the O&L Group maintained majority ownership throughout the company's history until 2023. Following the completion of Heineken N.V.'s acquisition on April 26, 2023, NBL operates as a of Heineken Beverages, with holding a 59.37% indirect stake through its wholly owned , NBL Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited, which owns the majority shares in NBL. The remaining 40.63% of shares are held by public shareholders, and NBL retains its listing on the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), which it joined in 1996 as the only publicly traded entity in the O&L Group. NBL's governance structure features a comprising executive and non-executive members, balancing local Namibian expertise with 's strategic oversight to ensure effective and alignment with stakeholder interests. The board, which meets quarterly, is chaired by Vetumbuavi Junius Mungunda (appointed 21 August 2024), and includes Namibian nationals such as Amos Shiyuka (Chair of the Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee) and Afra Ripurua Schimming-Chase (Chair of the Committee), alongside other non-executive directors and representatives. Key executives include Managing Director Waldemar von Lieres (appointed effective 1 January 2025, after serving as Finance Director since 2019) and Finance Director Willem Bierens de Haan (appointed 1 January 2025), who lead operational implementation alongside a senior leadership team focused on strategy execution; former Finance Director Peter Simons retired on 31 December 2024. processes emphasize oversight, with board committees providing specialized review of financial, risk, , and matters to support long-term prosperity. In terms of regulatory compliance, NBL adheres to the Namibian Companies Act of 2004, Namibian Stock Exchange Listing Requirements, and the Namibian Code of (NamCode), which is based on King III principles. Post-acquisition, the company has integrated international standards, including (IFRS) for financial reporting—audited annually by & Touche with unmodified opinions—and Heineken's global sustainability commitments, such as the net zero ambition by 2040, while fulfilling conditions from the Namibian Competition Commission, including no management-level retrenchments and establishment of a small, medium, and development fund.

Financial Performance and Market Position

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) demonstrated robust financial performance for the six months ended 31 December 2023 (the first reporting period following the Heineken acquisition), with net revenue increasing by 15% to N$2.139 billion, driven by the integration of the Distell portfolio and strategic price adjustments amid challenging market conditions. This growth reflected early benefits from the Heineken acquisition, including enhanced distribution efficiencies, though beer volumes in Namibia declined by 13.7% due to economic pressures. Building on this momentum, NBL reported net revenue of N$2.104 billion for the six months ended 30 June 2025, marking a 9.7% rise from N$1.919 billion in the comparable prior period, supported by strong domestic beer demand and volume growth of 14.8% in Namibia. Operating profit for H1 2025 surged 78.8% to N$279 million, underscoring improved cost management and operational synergies post-Heineken integration. As Namibia's leading beverage producer, NBL holds a dominant market position, commanding significant share in the category where it achieved gains through consistent commercial execution and no price increases in recent periods. The company's portfolio diversification, bolstered by Heineken's global resources, has enabled resilience against category-specific challenges, such as declines in soft drinks following the termination of the FruitTree distribution agreement with in February 2025. payouts reflect this stability, with an interim ordinary of 52 cents per share declared for the period ended June 2024 and an increased 96.29 cents per share for H1 2025. Post-acquisition integration with has yielded cost efficiencies and expanded market access, though external factors like inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations have tempered overall gains. In 2024, NBL maintained key sponsorships, including support for the Brave Warriors national football team amid ongoing negotiations for renewed terms, enhancing brand visibility in a competitive . Additionally, the company secured an 18-month substantive agreement with the Namibia Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAU) in June 2024, providing for a 2.5% increase from July to December 2024 and 6% from January to June 2025, fostering labor stability amid economic headwinds.

References

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