Seybrew hopes to sell Seychelles' top beer in Australia, Germany, and UK, but costs are an issue

Seychelles Breweries Limited (SBL), the only local beverage company in Seychelles, has announced plans to export its signature beer – Seybrew – to three countries: Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany.

The company revealed its plan during a press conference recently to announce its strong financial performance with an increase in revenue and profits for its financial year, which ended in June this year.

However the managing director of SBL, Nick Cook explained that the company needs the support of Seychelles’ government to realise this new venture.

“But the main challenge is about the cost. And for us to compete at international level, the problem we have here is everything is imported and it costs to produce here. So if you are going to be bringing in stuff here, make it and then export it, it is very difficult to compete on a global scale,” said Cook.

Cook added that the company has been having discussions with the head of state and the Ministry of Finance to find the best possible solution.

“Help us, find a way to help us. Whether it is a tax incentive or something because this is incremental business we can bring to Seychelles, it is incremental foreign exchange we can bring to Seychelles,” the managing director added.

SeyBrew is the flagship brand of the company. Produced for the first time in June 1972, it is considered as the favourite beer of Seychelles.

SeyBrew is brewed with the finest malt and hops imported from Europe, Australia, and South Africa. Available in 280ml green glass bottles with 4.9 percent alcohol by volume, SeyBrew has over the years won several awards.

“I think it is a very good thing to export our beer, as it is very popular amongst visitors. First-time visitors ask for it and those coming back also go back for some more,” Neil Azemia – who has worked in the tourism sector for 11 years told SNA on Friday.

Azemia added that exporting the beer will also bring in much-needed earnings for Seychelles – 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean.  

However the managing director of SBL, Nick Cook explained that the company needs the support of Seychelles’ government to realise this new venture. (Seychelles Nation) Photo License: CC-BY

The news that a taste of home can be now be enjoyed away from home is sure to bring smiles to Seychellois communities across the world but especially in the three selected markets.

SNA got the opinion of two Seychellois living in Perth, Australia. Jimmy Naiken said: “Even though I don’t consume alcoholic drinks it will be great for the Seychelles community. Seychellois enjoy the Seybrew. They will always ask someone to bring it, but not much of the EKU.”

Nisette Hoarau added: “It will be exciting to have Seybrew here in Australia. This beer is unique. Once they taste it, it will take off like wildfires. According to my husband, you have one and you want more.”

In the press conference held earlier this month at Seychelles Breweries headquarters, the company also announced that it had made a profit of $8 million.

Cook attributed the good performance to the impact of strategic initiatives taken by the board and management, including continued investment in supply chain driving world-class quality, up weighted investment in people and building capabilities, innovation, increased investment in its brands, including the flagship Seybrew and Seypearl brands.

Seychelles Breweries Limited was established in the late 1960s and is part of the United Kingdom-based company Diageo.