Diageo sells Ethiopian brewery Meta Abo to Castel Group

Diageo has entered into an agreement to sell its Meta Abo brewery in Sebeta, Ethiopia to BGI, a subsidiary of Castel Group.

BGI is a large-scale brewery and beverage production subsidiary of Group Castel, which operates in over 53 countries. BGI is the largest brewery in Ethiopia, with plants located all over the country. 

Diageo first acquired the Meta Abo brewery a decade ago. In 2015, the company invested $119 million into a bottling line expansion for the facility. 

The brewer has stated that it will “continue to service the Ethiopian market with its international spirits portfolio through its dedicated imported spirits channel”.

The sale is subject to approval by the Ethiopian Competition Commission and certain conditions.

The deal is expected to be completed by early 2022.