By Emojong Osere

LOCAL soft drinks manufacturer, Crown Beverages, is set to roll out its operations to other regional economies.

The move, according to the company’s board chairman, Amos Nzeyi, aims to consolidate its market share amid increasing competition in the beverages industry.

“Crown Beverages will cross borders and I believe with everybody’s support, we will be able to achieve this,” Nzeyi said.

He was on Saturday speaking at an event to celebrate the company’s achievements for the past year at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

In a move aimed at strengthening its market stake, the company last year launched its products which included Pepsi Cola, Mirinda Orange, Mirinda Fruity and Mirinda Pineapple in the Rwandan market.

The roll - out to other economies in the East African Community region would mean the start of an intensive competition between the company and its multinational rival.

Simon Lugoloobi, the beverage company’s chief executive officer, said management was yet to finalise plans to scale up its production and supply capacity to counter the increasing demand of the company’s products both domestically and regionally.

Some of the products currently manufactured by Crown Beverages include Pepsi, the three brands of Mirinda, 7UP, Evervess, Peak Mineral Water and a citrus-based soda, Mountain Dew.