Awash Launches ‘DANKIRA’, New Flagship Wine Cocktail
27 August 2018
Addis Ababa
Pioneer and longest established wine maker in Ethiopia, Awash Wine Sc has launched a two-million-dollar expansion project that will boost its production capacity both in 330cc, 11, 000 bottles and 750 cc, 8,500 bottles per hour.
In line with its new product innovation and product category the company, today has announced it’s newest alcoholic beverage, “DANKIRA”. This is Ethiopia’s first ever Wine Cocktail. Sales began in Addis Abba on 19th August 2019.
Speaking on the press conference, Berhan Mengistu, Brand and Innovation Manager with Awash Wine, said that the company continuously pushes the boundaries to develop innovations that meet consumer preference and demand.
While discussing the consumer research she stated, “Consumers told us they were looking for a new, smooth product with less alcohol. With these insights’ product development began. DANKIRA delivers on these Consumer requests. “DANKIRA” is a refreshing Wine Cocktail with 6% alcohol, made from a blend of wine and natural fruit flavors, which makes it a light bodied product with refreshing aromas DANKIRA is available in two fascinating flavors: – Strawberry Margarita and Peach Vodka.”
Available in 330ml, DANKIRA is now available in selected outlets such as top butcheries, restaurants and hotels across Addis Ababa and the 330ml bottle retails for a recommended price of ETB 25 to ETB 30.
The launch of DANKIRA has been enabled by Awash’s investment in a new state of the art production facility in Addis Ababa. Awash has invested 2M USD in an expansion project which triples the annual capacity of the winery. This ensures that the winery can meet future consumer demand and anticipated business growth.
Constructed at Mekanisa Winery Plant, located in Nefas Silk Lafto District, the new bottling line with components imported from Italy, Germany and China, uses state of the art technology. This includes bottle washers, fillers, and corkers as well as a capsule sealer and dryer, to achieve even higher quality control. The new line, which is highly efficient and reduces waste in the wine making process is operated by a local experienced and skilled labor force.
At the press conference, Neil Comerford, Commercial Director of Awash Wine Sc said, “We are now proud to have arrived at another significant milestone in our wineries’ growth with the commissioning of the new production line. We will continue to invest in the long-term growth of our brands, our business, our people and the communities in which we operate, for the benefit of all,” he added.
“Our Company is expanding its corporate responsibility through strongly promoting programs that enhance the wellbeing of our employees and their families, our business relationships and the community residing in and around our Vineyards located in Merti Wereda, Arsi Zone of Oromia Region. We support communities by providing housing, potable water, health cares, and food subsidies, said Neil Comerford, Commercial Director of Awash Wine Company.
The Company is very excited to bring DANKIRA to Ethiopian Market and will keep working more on innovation and diversified offers to satisfy it’s customers and consumers.