Camelthorn Brewing Company delivers its first locally produced Weissbier to thirsty Namibian consumers

An official function hosted by CEO of Camelthorn Brewing Company, Jörg Finkeldey, on 6 August marked the birth of Namibia’s first 'Weissbier Star', a year after Camelthorn Brewing Company (CBC) was established.

For months now, the Namibian thirsty beer throats have been teased and tantalised with media reporting and highlighting the countdown to this significant and momentous occasion in Namibia’s diverse and powerful beer history. Camelthorn Brewing Company’s executive team implemented and applied unique Public Relations and Communication Strategies, which sport a hands-on style, both driven by Namibian values and proving to be fruitful during the announcement of beers being available for trade to an expectant market.

Witnessed by representatives from the Namibian Ministry of Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary , Dr Malan Lindique; The Development Bank of Namibia; investors; and selected media, the investment paid off and the manufacturing endeavour was celebrated with the first 10 litre keg Weissbier’s seal being cracked open.

CBC’s microbrewery friendship network already reaches Russia; South Africa; America; and Europe, propelling Namibia to the forefront of the International specialised beer crafting community.

Proving a viable investment by inviting beer consumers to participate in the culture of beer crafting, and addressing a sophisticated and discerning market has been one of the key objectives of CBC’s management approach. Reported on beertown.org, and according to industry statistics, craft brewers produced nearly 8.6-million barrels in the U.S. during 2008. For those in the know, there is a growing customer support for local breweries.

United States Government Officials came under fire last week for publicly enjoying crafted beers not brewed solely by American Microbrewers, indicating that craft beers are a symbol of a region’s local pride and represents honour. With over 1 400 small breweries in the United States alone, the beer associations worldwide contribute considerably to the local economy and are certainly backed by its consumers in a staunch and patriotic manner.

Camelthorn Brewing Company management understands how to address this trend and the adoption of its specialised locally crafted beers carrying the same values that Namibians across the board share.

According to Finkeldey, smaller, limited manufacturing during the current global turmoil has changed the direction of developing products and services aimed at local markets, proving sustainable options. “International markets are suffering with import and export arenas collapsing and remerging, demonstrating Namibia’s 2030 Vision regarding manufacturing relevant and effective,” the CEO stated.

Camelthorn Brewing Company’s Board aims to become one of the country’s flagship investments and connect Namibians to the international craft beer fraternity in a proactive manner, with well wishes already streaming in from the international industry players.

David Nuyoma, CEO of DBN, said: “The DBN financed Camelthorn Brewing Company because it is a local manufacturer, introducing a new product to the market. Besides the jobs being created by Camelthorn Brewing Company, it also has a very progressive stance on training, which will contribute significantly to its own sustainability and skills transfer in a general sense. The latest technology in brewing equipment is also being used in the brewery, which is vital for quality assurance and control.

We took comfort from Jörg Finkeldey’s extensive experience in and knowledge of the industry and believe that these qualities, coupled with his obvious passion for his craft, will have the company grow exponentially.

Camelthorn Brewing Company’s ownership structure is as diverse as the Namibian landscape. It is satisfying to see Namibians coming together to build a firm foundation for economic advancement.

Quality, locally produced fresh Weissbier is from now on available to Namibia’s business and individual consumer markets from 76 Nickel Street in Windhoek’s Prosperita Industrial area.

The pride of these achievements left all CBC’s stakeholders waxing lyrical, especially after enjoying the superior first Weissbier for themselves this week.