Breweries launches new soft drink

Namibia Breweries (NBL) this week introduced a new sparkling soft drink called VIGO. It is a non-alcoholic drink made from malt and comes in two very African exotic flavours,  namely Marula and Wild Orange/Eguni.
Speaking at the launch, NBL’s marketing innovations manager, Barbara Erdt said that the soft drink is 100% Namibian and made from malt, which is already well-known in the beer world.
“Malt is used in NBL’s beers as malted barley, but can also be produced out of other cereal grains by first germinating and afterwards malting them. Malt is known for its health benefits such as providing some essential nutrients for the body, therefore using malt in combination with naturally based fruity flavours is the perfect unique and distinctive sparkling soft drink, something trully different,” Erdt emphasised.
According to NBL, the soft drink was produced when it became apparent that consumers of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks need a premium classy alternative to the current non-alcoholic offerings currently in the market.
The two flavours, Marula and Wild Orange (commonly known as Eguni), were chosen by Namibian consumers during a research drive throughout the country.
“VIGO is a clear, light golden sparkling liquid that pours smoothly out of a stylish unique embossed green bottle, ready to be enjoyed at any moment. It is the right choice when Namibians want a modern, natural, premium non-alcoholic soft drink,” Erdt re inforced.
Rosemarry Sippiki, NBL’s national marketing manager, said that the launching of VIGO was brought about by the dismantling of current realities and to avoid doing business in the same manner and keeping abreast with changing demands and trends. “It is with this in mind that we are today witnessing the birth of one of NBL’s newest innovative ideas that really brought the dismantling of current realities and brought to life a product that we are about to witness now,” Shippiki said.
The name VIGO was chosen among several other names and according to Erdt, it simply implies invigorating the body. Known for only producing alcoholic drinks, NBL said that the new soft drink will not produce any side effects because it is produced without any preservatives.
The soft drinks come in 330ml six pack bottles and target 25-35 year olds. The new soft drinks are currently available in selected supermarkets and restaurants in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Oshakati, Swakopmund and Oshikango. The beverage sells for N$8.50.