Bralirwa has unveiled a new beer brand, Legend, a stout beer.

The leading local brewer, lost rights to produce and distribute Guinness, a brand of stout beer, after its contract with East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) expired in 2013. 

Speaking during the launch of the new beer at the firm’s offices in Kicukiro on Friday, Jonathan Hall, the Bralirwa managing director, said they expect the new brand to compete favourably on the market, and improve their beer sales.

"We were sad that Guinness left our beer brands, but we promised (then) to replace it as we have done today (Friday),” Hall said of the beer that costs Rwf500.

Bralirwa, which is listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange, produces other beer brands Primus, Mutzig and Turbo King.

The other local beer manufacturer, Unibra, the makers of Skol and Gatanu, currently controls about 14 per cent of the Rwandan market.