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Dashen Brewery SC launched Royal Beer containing
5.5pc alcohol, one per cent higher than most other
varieties in the country. Located 563Km north of
Addis Abeba in the Amhara Regional State, the
Brewery introduced its new product at the Amhara
National Democratic Movement’s (ANDM) 27th
anniversary celebrated at the martyrs’ monument in
Bahir Dar.
A
member of the management team at the factory said
samples would be offered on draught to get feedback
and potentially make adjustments to the recipe
before mass production begins. When the beer itself
is finalised, the bottle shape and size, as well as
the label will be designed.
“About 230 million litres of beer is distributed
nationwide every year, though demand exceeds the
five brewers’ supply of eight brands,” an expert in
the field told Fortune.
Except Bedele, the others - BGI, Harer, Meta and
Dashen - either completed or have expansion projects
underway.
First established in 1995 with a capital of 60
million Br and shares distributed amongst four
individuals and two endowment companies under
ENDEAVOR, Dashen produces 26.2 million litres a
year. Bereket Simon, public relations advisor to the
Prime Minister with a ministerial portfolio is Board
of Directors chairman.
Entering into a joint venture arrangement with the
French BGI, which controls 40pc of the factory,
Dashen is located 10Km outside Gondar town.
The growing market gave rise to a 100 million Br
expansion completed in January 2006. After the
expansion work, the Brewery increased its production
capacity by 200pc to 75 million litres a year.
Under the latest refurbishing process, Dashen
planted two modern machineries and 11 vats (brewing
barrels).
Fortune
observed many pleased tasters at the ANDM event.
“This beer has a unique flavour,” one of the first
testers told Fortune.
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