There was a time when a bottle of Krest or the Stoney dominated the beverage coolers and drinks shelves in supermarkets. They were the go-to ‘chaser’ on a night out. Their flavours, citrus and ginger, were part of the social offerings at weddings, family picnics and on bar counters.
Today, the shelves look a little different as new bottles of imported tonics, zero-sugar sodas, fruit-infused sparkling waters and craft beverages targeting a more adventurous and health-conscious drinker overshadow Krest and Stoney.
Yet despite the changes and market competition, Coca-Cola insists the two drinks are here to stay.
“Krest and Stoney are among the brands that Kenyans continue to know and love and remain fully available in the market. These are brands with deep roots and local love, and we are committed to keeping them available,” the company says.
Stoney carries a gingery punch, which is a fiery favourite with a staunch following among those who love a drink with character. It has a bold aura, the kind that stands toe-to-toe with vodka, whisky and rum.
Krest has a smooth, citrusy taste that is light, tangy, and refreshing. For the longest time, Krest was synonymous with “the chaser.”
The rise of new players
Kenya’s drinking culture has evolved; walk into an urban bar today and you’ll notice a new breed of soft beverages lining the fridge. There are premium tonics like Fitch & Leedes, East Imperial and Fever-Tree to locally produced fruit sodas and energy drinks that cater to younger and image-conscious consumers.
In supermarkets, shelves have the zero-sugar options, sparkling waters, and imported mixers, which target the growing middle class. The gin wave, which hit the market a few years ago, also brought in new tonic water varieties, with each claiming to pair perfectly with different botanical spirits.
Bartenders now experiment with infused sodas, flavoured mixers, and homemade ginger tonics. It has become a more sophisticated scene amid all the variety, and people often find themselves returning to try something new.
Coca-Cola says they understand the shift and it is matching up to balance the global innovation with that of local loyalty. “There are no plans to replace these locally loved brands. We are proud to continue offering classic favourites like Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, Krest and Stoney.”
At Cool Sip drinks depot in Nairobi’s CBD, a small but busy shop that supplies both walk-in customers and nearby pubs, Stephen Mute, the manager, attests that five years ago, Krest, Stoney and Sprite were among the fastest-moving drinks, especially during the weekend.
“There was a time these drinks would barely last two days in stock, especially around weekends; they were the deliberate chasers, and everyone wanted them.”
How have their sales changed?
“They still make sales, but it is a bit slower. I used to sell even 15 crates of each over the weekend, but now I can barely move five. Even some of my older customers who swore by Krest now mix things up. They will ask for tonic, or some sparkling water. It’s not that they’ve stopped liking it, it’s just that people want to try something new every so often.” Mr Mute says.
He adds that the trend is most visible among younger customers, who often walk in asking for a drink they saw trending on social media.
“But, I can’t stop stocking Krest or Stoney. They move slower, but they move. Someone always comes asking because even these small shops still need the variety in their options. The drink is still other people’s favourite,” he says.
What people are chasing with now
When it comes to the drinking settings some swear by Fitch & Leedes Pink Tonic, others lean toward Schweppes Dry Ginger Ale or energy drinks like Monster and Predator for a stronger kick.
Mixologists say the evolution is not about replacing the old favourites but expanding the drink palate.
Tony Njoroge, a Nairobi-based mixologist says that consumers today are exploring combinations that go beyond the traditional.
“Kenyan drinkers have evolved because back then hard vodka meant Krest. Whiskey meant Stoney and that was the standard combination. But now people want variety. They want to try pink tonics, elderflower infusions, even the ginger-lime sparkling water,” he says.
Tony, who has worked with both international spirit brands and local distributors, says the change is not leaning toward abandoning the classics, it’s expanding the consumer’s taste.
“I have deep respect for Krest and Stoney, they’re part of our bar heritage. But when you look at how drink culture is changing globally, you see why Kenyans are curious about new options. These new drinks bring out different notes in gin and vodka. They’re lighter, more aromatic and that appeals to modern consumers.”
Still, he insists that the two Coca-Cola icons remain irreplaceable. “The drinks still remain given their authentic taste. We also use that same Stoney in a modern cocktail like when making a ginger mojito or spiced spritz,” he says.
“We are not replacing Krest or Stoney, we’re complementing them. Kenyan drinkers are ready for both the tradition and the trend,” he adds.
