By Ibrahim Sesay 

It was a night of football, music and celebration as Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) unveiled the new Heineken 33cl bottle and 50cl can in a thrilling UEFA Champions League viewing party held on April 16, 2025, at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown. The event drew together loyal customers, trade partners and passionate football fans who gathered to enjoy world-class football while experiencing the crisp, refreshing taste of Heineken in its exciting new formats.

The launch marked a major milestone for SLBL as it expands its product offering to meet the evolving preferences of its consumers. SLBL’s Managing Director, Ayokunle Owoniyi, expressed his pride in the launch, calling it a significant moment for both the company and its consumers. He noted that the goal behind the new packaging was to provide more choice to customers while maintaining the premium Heineken experience. Whether it’s the handy 33cl bottle or the generously sized 50cl can, he said, the aim is to ensure everyone finds their perfect Heineken. He also announced that SLBL plans to host another Champions League viewing party for the final match, with details to be revealed soon.

The company’s Commercial Director, Jean Remy Abera, explained that the introduction of the 33cl bottle and 50cl can came directly from consumer demand, emphasizing that SLBL listens and responds to its customers. He said the new packaging is not just about variety but about enhancing the Heineken experience at every occasion and delivering the same quality taste in formats that suit different moments.

Reflecting on Heineken’s legacy, Jean Remy Abera took guests on a journey through the brand’s rich history. He spoke of Gerard Adriaan Heineken, the visionary who started it all in 19th century Amsterdam. He continued that by 1875, Heineken had already captured international recognition, winning the prestigious Medaille d’Or in France. Jean Remy Abera described how the brand’s unique yeast strain, discovered over a century ago, remains at the heart of Heineken’s signature flavor; one that has earned the loyalty of drinkers around the world.

The Commercial Director informed how under the leadership of Henry Pierre Heineken in 1917, the brand embraced science and innovation to become a global name and by the 1930s, it had made history as the first imported beer in the United States.

The excitement didn’t end with football and drinks. Popular musician Drizilik electrified the crowd with a live performance that kept the energy high throughout the night. The celebration wrapped up with a thrilling raffle, and three lucky guests walked away with an exclusive prize ; a night’s stay at the luxurious Country Lodge Hotel.

Among the guests was Mohamed Tommy Kamara, a football enthusiast who praised the new Heineken packaging for offering more choice and enhancing the match day experience. "A Champions League night without Heineken is incomplete," he said, smiling as he raised his bottle in celebration.

SLBL’s drive to innovate and deliver fresh experiences to its customers is clearly reflected in the launch of the Heineken 33cl bottle and 50cl can; a bold testament to the company’s commitment to quality, customer satisfaction and aligning with modern consumer lifestyles. The night’s celebrations may be over, but the impact of Heineken’s refreshed look is only beginning to ripple across Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/brewery-unveils-new-heineken-33cl-bottle-and-50cl-can-at-champions-league-viewing-party/