SBL celebrates 250 years of Seychelles with limited edition drinks |21 August 2020
The press conference: (l to r) Mrs Francis, Ms Raoul and Mr Arnephie (Photo: Thomas Meriton)
When it comes to beverages, no other brand has deeper and more solid footing in the country than the Seychelles Breweries Limited (SBL) which has been in operation for over four decades.
As part of its contribution to the celebration of 250 years since the arrival of the first settlers in Seychelles, the local company on Wednesday unveiled two commemorative labels for its SeyBrew beer and SeyPearl ginger ale.
The labels for the limited edition bottles have been designed by prolific Seychellois artist Michael Arnephie.
While the Seybrew label was inspired by the Seychellois Creole culture and lifestyle showcasing vibrant colours typical of a Michael Arnephie fusion artwork, the ginger ale label depicts the country’s unique flora and fauna in a sparkling green colour.
The SeyPearl ginger ale limited edition features the endemic giant tortoise and pitcher plant as well as palms and banana leaves, a breadfruit tree, the Seychelles tropicbird orchid, and a swordfish and tropicbird which also appear on the country’s coat of arms.
It is to be noted that Seybrew and the SeyPearl ginger ale are the company’s two most popular beverages.
Described as potential collector’s items, the limited edition bottles will be available throughout August or until stocks last.
Anne Rosette, customer and marketing manager at SBL, explained that the company wanted to bring a little bit of flare and celebration to the commemoration of the arrival of the first settlers in Seychelles 250 years ago, especially since most of the national events to mark the occasion have been cancelled.
Daphne Raoul, SBL’s commercial director, added: “We are celebrating Seychellois moments and I am very happy that we have been able to participate in the celebration of 250 years.”
“We are all the result products of the first settlers and, no matter what has happened during our history, we are a colourful and vibrant nation with a certain joie de vivre which is reflected in the two labels,” added Ms Raoul.
Meanwhile the chairperson of the 250 years celebration committee and chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Sherin Francis, highlighted the significance of having Seychelles Breweries join in the celebrations which unfortunately have been toned down due to the pandemic.
“It is fitting that the Seychelles Breweries takes part in this celebration because the company has had quite a long journey during this 250 years[…] it is among some of the oldest companies that have contributed to the Seychelles economy as well as provided employment opportunities. Seychelles Breweries is also a stronghold brand that helps us promote Seychelles as a destination,” stated Mrs Francis.
On his part, Mr Arnephie explained that he had always wanted to create an art piece for SBL and now has been lucky to design not one but two pieces for the company. The unveiling ceremony on Wednesday was also an extra sweet moment for Mr Arnephie since he had welcomed the birth of his daughter earlier in the morning.
Seychelles Breweries is the leading beverage company in Seychelles with 48 years of experience and will mark its 50th anniversary in 2022.
Elsie Pointe
