Made-in-Uganda beverages earn global quality award
Rock Boom Energy Drink and Oner Juice, produced by Hariss International at its Kawempe manufacturing plant in Kampala, have received the internationally recognised Monde Selection Quality Award, placing the Ugandan brands among products that have met rigorous international standards for quality, safety and manufacturing excellence.
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Two beverages manufactured in Uganda have earned one of the world's most respected independent quality certifications, reinforcing confidence in the country's growing manufacturing sector and its ambition to compete in international markets.
Rock Boom Energy Drink and Oner Juice, produced by Hariss International at its Kawempe manufacturing plant in Kampala, have received the internationally recognised Monde Selection Quality Award, placing the Ugandan brands among products that have met rigorous international standards for quality, safety and manufacturing excellence.
The recognition comes as Uganda's manufacturing industry continues shifting from exporting mainly raw agricultural commodities to producing value-added goods capable of competing with established global brands.
Samuel Hooper, the Marketing Manager at Harris International, said the award reflects years of investment in modern production technology, research and quality management.
"Winning this award in a market dominated by brands with decades, and in some cases more than a century, of history is a significant achievement. It reflects our commitment to innovation, teamwork, quality and continuous improvement," Hooper said.
Each year, manufacturers from more than 90 countries voluntarily submit thousands of products—including beverages, food, cosmetics and dietary products—for evaluation by independent panels comprising scientists, engineers, nutritionists, chefs and quality specialists.
Unlike conventional competitions where products compete against one another, Monde Selection assesses each product against internationally recognised quality benchmarks. Evaluations cover taste, ingredients, manufacturing processes, food safety, packaging, labelling and consumer information before quality distinctions are awarded.
Industry experts say such internationally recognised certifications have become increasingly important for manufacturers seeking to expand into regional and overseas markets, as they strengthen consumer confidence and demonstrate compliance with globally accepted quality standards.
Hariss International's recognition mirrors the broader transformation taking place within Uganda's manufacturing sector.
Hariss International Chief Executive Officer Simon Harvey attributed the achievement to sustained investment in manufacturing technology.
Founded as a local beverage manufacturer, Hariss International has grown into one of Uganda's leading fast-moving consumer goods companies. Its portfolio includes carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, fruit juices, energy drinks, malt beverages, biscuits and confectionery supplied to both domestic and export markets.
The company says it directly employs more than 1,500 people and supplies products to over 250,000 retail outlets across Uganda, while expanding exports to regional markets.
The award comes at a time when manufacturers across Africa face increasing pressure to meet international standards on food safety, product traceability, environmental compliance and quality assurance.
Despite progress, the sector continues to grapple with challenges including high energy costs, expensive financing, transport bottlenecks and the cost of complying with international certification requirements.
Nevertheless, industry observers say continued investment in modern production, skilled labour and internationally recognised quality systems is steadily strengthening Uganda's position as a competitive manufacturing hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
For Uganda, the recognition of Rock Boom Energy Drink and Oner Juice represents more than corporate success. It reflects the country's growing capacity to produce value-added goods that meet international quality.