Juice maker, Kevian Kenya has invested Sh2 billion ($22.8 million) to introduce new products in its Thika-based plant with the capacity to produce 250 tonnes per day as it seeks to expand its local and regional reach.

“We are seeking growth through new brands to strengthen our market presence in the region,” said Kimani Rugendo, founder of Kevian Kenya.

The company added its own brands of tomato juice and ready-to-drink coffee to the already robust portfolio of products, which include Pick N Peel juice brands and Afia.

Kevian also has eight non-alcoholic malt drinks, which are available in Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Zambia and Sudan.

The new investment deviates from Kevian’s usual external financing gotten from development financial institutions, including a $7.6 million funding from German Investment bank, German Investment Corporation (Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH — DEG). The Kenyan company raised the Sh2 billion for the new range of products from its internal cash flow as it continues its growth in the East African country’s $1 billion soft drinks market.

The Alcohol Control Act enacted in 2010 has also helped the beverage drink industry grow in Kenya, as alcohol consumption and sale in public bars is banned between 5 pm and 11 pm on weekdays and before 2pm on public holidays and weekends. With opportunities for growth increasing locally and across the region, Kevian Kenya is growing with the trend and also focusing on other untapped markets.