Beer in Tanzania

Beer and alcohol are deeply woven into Tanzanian culture, with local brews holding a special place in the hearts of many. Tanzania ranks sixth in Africa for beer consumption, contributing over 3% to the continent's total. Interestingly, more than 90% of the beer consumed in Tanzania is homemade or comes from the informal sector. This is largely due to the higher cost of bottled beer compared to traditional maize beers. Despite this, the sale of beer and alcohol is crucial to the Tanzanian economy, generating significant tax revenue.

The beer market in Tanzania is primarily dominated by two major companies: Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) and East African Breweries Limited, which operates through Serengeti Breweries Limited. Both companies are industry giants, boasting substantial revenues and listings on the stock exchange. Notably, TBL is the largest taxpayer in the country.

Tanzania Breweries Limited has a rich history, dating back to 1932. It was initially acquired by Kenya Breweries Limited before being nationalized in 1976. In 1993, it was sold to SABMiller. Serengeti Breweries, the second-largest brewer in Tanzania, was founded in 1988 and later acquired by East African Breweries in 2010. Another prominent player in the market is Qingdao Sino Tanzanian Breweries, a Chinese company.

Craft breweries are also carving out a niche in Tanzania. Leading the way are Twiga Brewery in Arusha and Crafty Dee's Brewing Company Ltd in Dar es Salaam. While the craft beer scene is still in its early stages, it is steadily growing.

Tanzania boasts a range of domestic brands, including both local favorites and international names like Castle Lager and Pilsner. The beer industry remains a key contributor to the economy and a source of national pride for Tanzanians.